Context

This project will seek answers to the question of how distinctive attributes of tree genetics affect their resilience, and strategies for reducing risk and recovery; in particular, their effects on how trees win “evolutionary arms races”.

Research aims and objectives

Aim:

Understand how trees evolve in the face of biotic and abiotic threats.

Objectives:

• Produce a comprehensive, transdisciplinary bibliography of how trees evolve and adapt under new and emerging environmental conditions.
• Bring together leading international geneticists for a structured, residential workshop to generate expert insight on how trees evolve under novel conditions.
• Integrate this research and collective expertise into a high-impact review paper.

Expected outcomes

• A comprehensive synthesis and new conceptual framework explaining how trees evolve under novel biotic and abiotic threats, integrating genetics, ecology, and recent advances in genomics.
• A high-impact, multi-author review paper entitled “How trees evolve under novel conditions”.
• Improved understanding of how tree evolution differs from other organisms, clarifying their potential for rapid adaptation and the risks of misinformed policy or management.
• Strengthened scientific consensus and collaboration through expert workshops, producing insights that direct support resilience adaptation, risk reduction and recovery in forestry.