Stuart Piertney

Professor Stuart Piertney holds the Chair in Molecular Ecology and Evolution at the University of Aberdeen, where he also serves as Dean for Postgraduate Research. His primary affiliation is within the School of Biological Sciences, located in the Zoology Building. His research focuses on eco-evolutionary dynamics, integrating ecological processes with genetic mechanisms across diverse organisms, including deep-sea amphipods, intertidal isopods, and birds. Key research themes include genetic adaptation to extreme environments, host-parasite interactions, and genomic responses to environmental changes. He leads the Piertney-Lab, which employs molecular and genomic tools to study evolutionary and ecological dynamics in natural populations.

Research interests include the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes, with a focus on marine biodiversity, population genetics of deep-sea species, and the genomic basis of adaptation. Notable projects involve studying amphipod populations in hadal trenches, microbial interactions in isopods, and parasite-mediated selection in red grouse. His work often addresses conservation challenges, such as genetic management of endangered species and pollution impacts on marine fauna.

Publications highlight studies on microplastic ingestion by deep-sea organisms, heat-shock protein adaptations in amphipods, and genomic signatures of speciation. Awards and grants are not explicitly detailed in the provided texts, but his extensive publications reflect sustained research excellence. Advising and grants are integral to his role, though specific student names or grant details are omitted here. The Piertney-Lab collaborates internationally, engaging in projects funded by NERC, BBSRC, and other agencies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and evolutionary questions.