Population genomics for biodiversity, biosecurity and rapid adaptation

Dr Henry North will present a seminar and workshop focused on the application of whole-genome population genomics to monitoring and managing invasive and endangered populations.

The workshop will cover conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches for detecting signatures of recent selection, identifying gene flow between populations and species, and inferring demographic history using resequencing data. Emphasis will be placed on translating population genomic insights into applications relevant to invasive species management, agricultural sustainability, biosecurity surveillance, and biodiversity conservation.

Target audience: HDR students and researchers actively working on pest and pathogen surveillance, resistance evolution, invasion biology, and applied genomics. The aim of Henry's visit and these workshops is to strengthen local capability in designing, analysing and interpreting population genomic datasets, and to discuss how genomic monitoring can move from retrospective analysis toward predictive forecasting of evolutionary change.

Schedule

Day 1 (Thu 26th Nov)

• Research Seminar. All welcome (seminar title TBA, Eucalyptus Seminar Room).
• Targeted Introductory Workshop for HDR students and early career researchers (half-day, Slatyer Seminar Room).
• The workshop is being delivered in conjunction with the ARC Training Centre for Plant Biosecurity and is open to all interested HDR students and researchers.

Day 2 (Fri 27th Nov)

• Main Population Genomics Workshop (full day, Slatyer Seminar Room).

Day 3 (Mon 30th Nov)

• Open Discussion and "Bring Your Data" Session, providing participants with the opportunity to seek feedback on datasets, analytical workflows, project design, and population genomic approaches relevant to their own research (half day, Slatyer Seminar Room). 

About the presenter

Dr Henry North is an evolutionary geneticist interested in rapid, anthropogenic evolution. He specialises in agricultural pests and invasive species, particularly systems where strong human-driven selection (e.g. pesticide use and intensive agriculture) leads to fast adaptation that threatens food security and biodiversity. His research uses whole-genome population genomics to understand how invasive pests evolve and spread, and how hybridisation and introgression can accelerate adaptation. His current work aims to extend population genomics beyond retrospective inference (understanding what has already happened) toward predictive forecasting of invasion risk and adaptive potential. He is developing this approach by studying the ongoing spread of the invasive pest moth Helicoverpa armigera into North America, using genomic data to infer demographic history, detect selection, and model the potential for range expansion and resistance evolution. This work is directly relevant to biosecurity surveillance, resistance management, and the development of predictive genomic monitoring approaches.

Henry's visit is funded by the Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, hosted by Andy Bachler. During his visit to Canberra, Henry will be able to meet attendees one-on-one to discuss options for analysing their own data. Please note on the registration form, or get in touch va email, if you would like to arrange a time to meet.