Dr. Niclas Backström

Biography

Niclas Backström is a professor and head of the Evolutionary Biology Program at Uppsala University, specializing in evolutionary genomics. His research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of traits that contribute to local adaptation and species recognition. He employs genetic mapping, population genetics, and comparative genomics to study speciation processes and the evolution of adaptive traits. Backström's work involves studying natural populations, particularly butterflies, which serve as excellent models due to their phenotypic diversity and ecological relevance. Over the years, he has held various academic positions, including senior lecturer and associate senior lecturer in the same department. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of evolutionary genetics, having published extensively on topics such as chromosome inheritance, population genetic theory, and the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation. His research aims to quantify variations in karyotype structure and recombination rates while addressing fundamental questions about the genetic elements driving population differentiation and speciation. Backström's collaborations and investigations have helped formulate hypotheses about reproductive isolation and genome evolution, particularly in relation to species that exhibit moderate divergence.

Research Interests

Experience