Dan Macqueen [GL]

Current Research

I am interested in genomes, animal physiology and evolution, especially where these topics intersect. The salmonid fishes hold a special place in my heart, and I have been long fascinated by their ancestral whole genome duplication event, which had a pervasive impact on their biology, genetics and evolution. Much of my group's work focuses on salmonids, but we also work on other fish, shellfish and vertebrate species, as well as plants and viral pathogens. Our research ranges from fundamental investigations into genetics and evolutionary biology through to applied studies aiming to create positive outcomes for health and welfare within the aquaculture sector. We apply a full range of modern genomic and bioinformatic tools– from single cell sequencing to pangenomics.

I am leading a large BBSRC sLoLa consortium project (2025-2029), investigating the evolutionary role of rediploidisation after whole genome duplication across the tree of life. This awesome project has its own webpage if you want to know more: https://www.rediploidisation.org/

Favourite aquaculture species

I am a fanboy of salmonids. I work mostly on the ones that are farmed, like Atlantic salmon, but for genomic and evolutionary reasons I have worked on all 10 genera in this family. I personally love Hucho, which can grow enormous!