The Complexity of Life Program aims to understand the mechanisms driving life and evolution. To achieve this, we delve into three main research areas. First, we investigate major evolutionary transitions, such as the emergence of multicellular organisms, the origin of insect metamorphosis, and the evolution of new body plans. To this end, we establish and use new unconventional model organisms spanning the eukaryotic tree of life. We also explore various biological phenomena key for understanding the intricacies of life, including tissue architecture, ecological networks, and cancer systems. Finally, we explore and unravel the hidden biodiversity, often referred to as biological "dark matter," due to its potential to address both our questions and societal needs.

Program Coordinators: Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo and Ricard Solé.

Research Groups: