معرفی
Bregje Wertheim is a Professor in evolutionary biology of ecological interactions at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she also serves as Programme Director for the MSc Ecology and Evolution. Her research focuses on understanding how genomic variation shapes organisms' adaptive responses to environmental changes, using Drosophila as a model system to investigate molecular mechanisms of evolutionary innovation.
Her interdisciplinary work spans:
- Ecological and evolutionary genomics of host-parasite interactions
- Innate immunity in insects
- Climate change adaptation mechanisms
- Applied entomology for sustainable agriculture
Recent research explores the microbiome's role in insect adaptation and the development of bioinsecticides. Publications demonstrate strong themes in genomic adaptation to environmental stressors, with frequent investigations into:
- Temperature-responsive gene networks
- Host-parasite coevolution
- Microbiome-mediated fitness
- Behavioral plasticity
Notable scientific honors include AcademiaNet membership (2012), NWO Vidi Research Fellowship (2009), and Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2008). She leads multiple research consortia including INSECTFEED, investigating insects as sustainable livestock feed, and mentors PhD candidates in evolutionary genomics and ecological interactions.
Her laboratory focuses on functional diversification of gene regulatory networks and maintains collaborations with industrial partners in biological control and insect farming technologies.
