Heikki Helanterä
PhD, docent
Associate Professor (tenure track)
Evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology
I see sociality, cooperation, conflict and communication practically everywhere. My main study system is Formica ants, especially their social evolution and genetics. I combine many approaches to reach a multi-faceted view on social evolution. I work on genomics and transcriptomics, behaviour, chemical ecology and theoretical and conceptual approaches to evolution. In addition to ants and other social insects, my second main interest is the major transitions in evolution. I carry out theoretical, philosophical and empirical analyses on the similarities and differences between transitions in complexity, such as evolution of multicellularity and evolution of superorganismal insect societies. I am also working in a multidisciplinary project on applying evolutionary theory to sustainable resource use by humans.
Research interests
- Social evolution, social insects, genetics, genomics, behavioural ecology, evolutionary theory
Researcher information
Contact information
Visiting address
Postal address
POB 3000
FI-90014 University of Oulu
Finland