Professor Dr. Oskar Hallatschek

Biography

Oskar Hallatschek is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he leads the Biological Physics Evolutionary Dynamics Group. His research interests lie at the interface of biophysics and evolutionary biology. Hallatschek investigates the complexity of biological systems, particularly how chance and randomness can produce significant evolutionary results. He focuses on quantifying the inherently stochastic nature of biological systems utilizing methods from statistical physics. His work encompasses key research topics such as stochastic reaction-diffusion processes, adaptive evolution, and biophysical aspects of biofilm formation. Furthermore, he addresses fundamental challenges in evolutionary dynamics, including the rates of adaptation and the influences of genetic drift and natural selection in population-level phenomena. Hallatschek’s research is vital in understanding the emergence of phenomena such as drug resistance and the dynamics of species invasions.

Research Interests

Experience