Dr. Rômulo Carleial, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom
Rômulo Carleial is an evolutionary biologist based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. His research spans sexual selection, conservation genetics, and the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic plasticity. He has a strong academic foundation, having studied in renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and Yale University. Rômulo’s work explores the interplay between genetics and adaptation, contributing to critical conservation efforts. His commitment to science education is evident through his teaching roles in the UK and Brazil. He is passionate about understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that shape biodiversity, aiming to solve ecological challenges.
Professional Profile
orcid
Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award:
Rômulo Carleial demonstrates an exceptional profile for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research spans multiple critical areas, including evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics, with a focus on sexual selection, genetic plasticity, and conservation biology. His reflective statement highlights a deep engagement with contemporary scientific questions, such as the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, showing thought leadership in evolutionary theory.
Education
Rômulo Carleial has a rich educational background, beginning with his B.S. in Biology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He further pursued his academic journey with an MSc in Ecology and Wildlife Management, where he developed his expertise in evolutionary biology. His DPhil in Zoology from the University of Oxford deepened his understanding of genetics and sexual selection. Additionally, Rômulo gained valuable experience as a visiting researcher at Yale University and Florida International University, honing his skills in evolutionary and conservation science, contributing to his global scientific perspective.
Experience
Rômulo Carleial’s experience is diverse and impactful, with a PDRA position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, focusing on conservation genetics. He has served as a tutor at Oxford University, delivering lectures and conducting practical demonstrations. His international teaching experiences include delivering courses in Brazil and the UK, alongside fieldwork supporting biodiversity conservation. Rômulo’s work extends to community outreach, organizing science events and talks to promote evolutionary biology education. His scientific collaborations have led to numerous international presentations, further cementing his reputation in evolutionary and conservation sciences.
Awards and Honors
Rômulo Carleial has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2022, he co-authored a DEFRA grant that secured £438,704 to investigate the genetic basis of AOD. He was also a recipient of CNPq DPhil and MSc international scholarships, which funded his advanced research at Oxford University. These scholarships, along with CAPES Science Without Borders funding, supported his studies and international collaborations. His ability to secure competitive grants and scholarships highlights his research excellence and commitment to advancing evolutionary biology and conservation.
Research Focus
Rômulo Carleial’s research focuses on the intersection of evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics. His earlier work examined sexual selection and sexual dichromatism, while his current interests lie in understanding how genetics and phenotypic plasticity contribute to adaptive traits in organisms. His research on the genetic basis of plant resistance to pathogens, particularly in oak trees, aims to protect ecosystems from climate change and disease. He is also exploring the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, focusing on organismal agency in evolution and its conservation biology impact.
Publications Top Notes
Circadian patterns in male sexual behaviour and female resistance in a polygynandrous bird
A first draft genome of holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota), the most representative species of the Mediterranean forest and the Spanish agrosylvopastoral ecosystem “dehesa”
Disentangling the causes of temporal variation in the opportunity for sexual selection
Temporal dynamics of competitive fertilization in social groups of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) shed new light on avian sperm competition
Dynamic phenotypic correlates of social status and mating effort in male and female red junglefowl, Gallus gallus