Gábor Sramkó is an evolutionary geneticist and an assistant professor of the Department of Botany at the Institute of Biology and Ecology of UD’s Faculty of Science and Technology. His research activities focus on molecular phylogenetics and phylogenomics as well as the reconstruction and protection of the evolutionary history of plant and animal species.
The members of his research group have been conducting research in Mongolia since 2022 supported by an academic mobility grant. In addition to conducting projects in joint evolutionary genomic studies, they lay heavy emphasis on the training of their local colleagues.
- Upon the request of our Mongolian partners, we have regularly held workshop-type training courses for them in addition to carrying out joint evolutionary genomic research tasks. My Hungarian colleagues and I have always passed on our knowledge humbly, as equal partners in cooperation. Since this award is hardly ever awarded to foreigners, I reckon that it is also the recognition of this direct and dedicated professional collaboration- said Gábor Sramkó.
The biologist-ecologist at UD specializes in evolutionary genetics, i.e. deciphering the information written in DNA. Studying the micro-scale evolution directly helps him in the conservation management of endangered organisms. In Mongolia, among other things, he was involved in clarifying the taxonomic position of a rare anemone species, while his most iconic target species in the animal kingdom is the Mongolian saiga (Tatar antelope), the genetic structure of which he is exploring together with a Mongolian PhD student enrolled at the University of Debrecen.
- Our objective is to identify the indigenous saiga population in Mongolia, the number of which is estimated at around 15 thousand individuals at present. We strive to learn more about the microevolutionary relationships of this species of antelope and provide Mongolian nature conservationists with information on the basis of which they can plan the protection of this particularly important breed more effectively- said the assistant professor.
Recently, the research methodology has shifted from individual DNA segments to the exploration of the entire genetic material, called the genome. In the case of the saiga antelope, Gábor Sramkó and his co-researchers are currently working on the production of a reference genome, which will enable the local adaptation and genetic diversity of populations to be mapped.
- Our long-term goal is to establish and spread whole-genome-based studies of wild, non-model organisms as much as possible, both in Hungary and among our international partners- the researcher added.
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