معرفی
Anja Spang is a Professor (Special Chair in 'Symbioses in Evolution' at the University of Amsterdam) and Research Leader at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), focusing on evolutionary microbiology and archaeal genomics. Her work bridges microbial ecology, comparative genomics, and the origin of eukaryotic cells.
- PhD: University of Vienna (2013)
- Postdoc: Uppsala University (2013-2017)
- Current roles: NIOZ (since 2017), UvA (since 2022)
Her research explores the role of Archaea in the evolution of life, particularly the Asgard superphylum and DPANN archaea. She investigates symbiosis as a driver of major evolutionary transitions, such as eukaryogenesis, and its implications for modern marine ecosystems.
Recent publications analyze phylogenetic reconciliation, LUCA reconstruction, hydrogenase evolution in archaea, and lipid interactions in DPANN symbionts. Key themes include genome reduction, anaerobic metabolism, and microbial community dynamics in extreme environments.
- NWO M-grant (2023-2026)
- Ammodo Science Award (2023)
- ERC Starting Grant (ASymbEL, 2021-2026)
Anja mentors PhD students Tara Mahendrarajah and Wen-Cong Huang, collaborates with institutions like Uppsala University and the University of Regensburg, and leads projects funded by NWO, NERC, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
