Best scientific article by a Spanish researcher in Norway
David Peris, researcher in genetics and evolutionary biology at the Department of Biosciences, has been honored with the Maria Blasco Award for the best scientific article published by a Spanish researcher in Norway in 2023. The award is named after the scientific director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Maria A. Blasco, and was presented at the residence of Spain's ambassador in Oslo.
Genetic Analysis of the Saccharomyces Yeast Genus
The research article by Peris and his research team was published in 'Nature Communications' and is a comprehensive genetic analysis of the yeast genus Saccharomyces. The article, "Macroevolutionary diversity of traits and genomes in the model yeast genus Saccharomyces," contributes new knowledge about biodiversity, population structure, and macroevolutionary processes in microbial eukaryotes.
This new knowledge about yeast genetics has positive implications for basic research and biotechnological applications. Peris, along with his team, has mapped the geographical distributions, host organisms, and nutrient sources, and evolutionary history of about 1800 yeast strains. The research included complete genome sequencing of 163 strains and cataloging of observable characteristics of 128 phylogenetically diverse strains.
Researcher at the FunGIALab
David Peris received his Ph.D. from the University of Valencia in 2012 and has extensive experience in comparative genomics, fungal evolution, high-throughput microbial phenotyping, bioinformatics, and biotechnological applications.
Peris has been a researcher at FunGIALab at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, since 2021. In 2022, he was appointed Distinguished Researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC).
The Maria Blasco Award
The Association of Spanish Researchers in Norway (IENO), with support from the Spanish Embassy in Norway, announced this award to disseminate information about research carried out by Spanish citizens in Norway and to promote their international visibility. The award involves coverage of expenses up to 15,000 Norwegian kroner, approximately €1,300, to attend a scientific congress to give greater visibility to the winner's research work. Sara Orellana, a co-researcher in David Peris’ laboratory, received the award on his behalf during the ceremony in Oslo.