Major Evolution Study Involves IU

Moczek is a professor in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Biology.

An Indiana University biologist is the recipient of a $1.25 million grant in what’s being called the largest study of its kind in the world. Professor Armin Moczek and a team from IU will lead three projects as part of an international collaboration examining possible extensions and revisions to the theory of evolutionary biology.

The work involves close to two dozen projects, 50 scientists and eight institutions representing the U.S., Great Britain and Sweden. The award from the John Templeton Foundation totals $8.7 million for participants.

Moczek co-authored two articles in 2014 and 2015 that inspired the grant. IU says the papers focus on several contributing factors relating to changes in organisms over time. They urged the the theory of evolutionary biology "expand to more fully recognize and integrate these processes."

Moczek says "we’re excited for this opportunity to systematically carry out empirical research related to this new framework. This generous support will allow us to test the assumptions and predictions of this unique conceptual framework in a way that cannot be accomplished by a single person or team, but rather requires coordinated effort by diverse researchers across multiple disciplines."

Research will begin when the grant kicks in in September. You can connect to more about the announcement by clicking here.