Young Complexity Researchers’ Lunch (YCRL) #34: Evolution of hyperparasitism in integrating viruses

The monthly Young Complexity Research Lunch (YCRL) is organised by the open group for Young Complexity Researchers Utrecht (YCRU), consisting of PhD candidates and postdocs at UU. This community building lunch event is designed specifically for young complexity researchers to share their complex systems science related work in a relaxing and informal settings, and to provide the opportunity to discuss challenges in Complex Systems Studies.

Hereby, we cordially invite you to the Young Complexity Researchers’ Lunch (YCRL) #34 on Tuesday 23 June (12:00-12:30) by Sultan Ahmed Nazir at the Centre for Complex Systems Studies (CCSS) where you can:

• Get a free gourmet lunch with the best sandwiches you can get in the Utrecht Science Park;

• Know one young complexity researchers' work over just 30 mins;

• Contribute your professional knowledge and experiences in a relaxing and informal setting;

• Develop potential collaboration.

YCRL #34: Evolution of hyperparasitism in integrating viruses
Leading young complexity researcher: Sultan Ahmed Nazir, Theoretical Biology & Bioinformatics, Utrecht University 

Abstract:
Recent research suggests that viral infections are shaped by social interactions, with viruses cooperating and cheating in ways that influence success of viral infections. The evolutionary consequences of these interactions remain poorly understood, particularly for viruses that integrate into host genomes as proviruses. Here, we investigate the evolution of social interactions among integrating viruses using a framework of viral coinfections. Combining differential equation models and individual-based simulations, we show that local interactions in spatially structured host populations can drive evolutionary branching. This process leads to the emergence of distinct parasitic and hyperparasitic viral strategies.

Everyone is welcome, and please feel free to invite your colleagues/friends/classmates/students to join us.

If you would like to have the lunch arrangement, please sign up before 3pm Monday 22 June.