We are excited to share that Maria Nikoghosyan has become a Junior Group Leader and will lead the Functional Population Genomics group at the Institute of Molecular Biology.
The group focuses on functional genetic variation — exploring how genetic differences shape traits, adaptation, and evolution across plants and humans. By studying variation at the population level and linking it to biological function, the group aims to better understand how genomes translate into observable characteristics.
A central part of the group’s research is dedicated to the grapevine genome, with a special focus on Caucasian and Armenian accessions. The Caucasus region represents one of the oldest centers of grapevine domestication, yet it remains relatively understudied. The group investigates domestication history, population structure, and the genetic basis of key phenotypic traits, connecting genomic variation to functional biological outcomes.
Congratulations to Maria on this new role, and best wishes for this exciting new chapter.
