Ongoing research within the Palaeobiology Programme

Main emphasis is to elucidate the stem-groups of major phyla (Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Arthropoda) in order to reconstruct the evolutionary origins of modern taxa.

Staff: Lars Holmer, John Stuart Peel, Graham Budd, Michael Streng

Investigation of the phenotypic features, ultrastructure and biochemistry of Proterozoic-Cambrian microbiota ("acritarchs") with advanced techniques in microscopy and spectroscopy in search of their affinities and timing of divergences. Study of the response of the phytoplankton to the end-Proterozoic glaciations to test theories of their severity and impact on the biosphere.

Staff: Malgorzata Moczydlowska-Vidal, Sebastian Willman

Statistically robust time series of size changes in microfossils are related to proxy records of past climate, in combination with experimental studies of modern species under variable environmental conditions.

Staff: Jorijntje Henderiks, Michael Streng

Research focuses on molecular developmental biology of key non-model organisms, such as priapulids and onychophorans, to resolve evolutionary patterns within the Ecdysozoa (arthropods and relatives). This includes involvement in the Priapulus genome project.

Staff: Graham Budd, Ralf Janssen

The goal within this research is to develop research and studies in earth science educational research and communication, which is a unique research area in Sweden. The research in educational research is closely connected and in corporation with educational research in physics at Uppsala University. The work is built on different kind of techniques for studies in educational research, and questions dominating at the moment is identity, misconceptions of earth science knowledge and studies concerning filed work and excursions. Project within the area communication is studies around communicating earth science and how to work with this towards the public.

Staff: Magnus Hellqvist, Sebastian Willman