biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney

VIRAL EVOLUTION
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Research Interests
I am an evolutionary biologist who has worked with pathogens,
particularly RNA viruses, for over 20 years. During this time
my research has focused on a number of key areas, namely;
(i) determining the fundamental mechanisms of pathogen
evolution, (ii) studying the case-specific evolution of major
viral infections of humans and animals, with a particular
focus on HIV, influenza and dengue, and (iii) revealing the
evolutionary genetics of viral emergence. In my laboratory
we perform in-depth studies of microbial evolution and
emergence to determine the evolutionary factors that allow
these infectious agents to emerge and spread in populations.
My main research tool has been the evolutionary analysis of
pathogen gene sequence data. My current research program
therefore sits at the interface of four disciplines – evolutionary
biology, genomics, bioinformatics and infectious disease – and
is designed to reveal the factors that are responsible for the
successful cross-species transmission and emergence of
pathogens.
Honours projects
I have an active interest in a broad range of research areas
relating to the evolution of infectious disease. Potential projects
include:
Professor Eddie
Holmes
Room 203, Macleay
Building A12
T: (02) 9351 5591
E: edward.holmes@
sydney.edu.au
1. Determining the factors that allow some viruses to jump species boundaries and emerge in
new hosts more readily than others.
2. Revealing the range of evolutionary and epidemiological (i.e. ‘phylodynamic’) patterns
exhibited by viruses and what this means for their ‘emergibility’.
3. Understanding how the remarkable range of habitats and animal species in Australia
shape patterns of disease transmission.
4. Explaining the evolution of pathogen virulence, with a special focus on two viruses used
to control European rabbit populations in Australia – myxoma virus and rabbit haemorrhagic
disease virus.