Research in the Department of Molecular Evolution focuses on the molecular evolutionary processes that shape microbial life on Earth. Our model organisms range from bacteria to archaea and eukaryotes. We are interested in the patterns and processes that shape genomes, in the unique functional characteristics of the archaea and in the early evolution of the eukaryotic cell. We study these processes using genome sequencing, bioinformatics and experimental work. Nearly 20 PhD-students in total have graduated from this program, many of which have since moved on to leading positions in national and international academic research organizations.

The Department of Molecular Evolution currently hosts about 20 researchers, postdocs and PhD-students, including two professors (Siv Andersson and Rolf Bernander), one lecturer (Jan Andersson) and two assistant professors (Lisa Klasson and Thijs Ettema).

From January 1 2012 the department is located to the Department for Cell and Molecular Biology.