Welcome to the Evolving Meta-Ecosystems (EVOME) Institute 

At the Evolving Meta-Ecosystems (EVOME) Institute, we bring together scientists from across disciplines to answer one of biology’s most urgent questions: how does adaptive evolution shape biological responses to climate change—from genes to ecosystems—and determine the resilience of ecosystem function? 

Until now, few studies have investigated how evolution affects ecosystem properties and dynamics, and none at the scale and relevance at which we are working. EVOME is one of the country’s few National Science Foundation Biology Integration Institutes, which are focused on biological themes that enable the discoveries of life’s innovations.

Understanding how ecosystems evolve together

Ecosystems are more than just collections of species. They are networks of life that have evolved together, intricately connected to each other and their environment. These systems are under increasing stress as the world warms—especially Arctic ecosystems, which are heating up at over three times the global average. Will these interconnected ecosystems unravel? Struggle to survive? Or find new ways to adapt?

Globally, one of the clearest biological signs of Arctic warming is the expansion of shrubs, especially along streams. This “greening of the Arctic” is among the world’s most important large-scale ecological responses to global climate change and is already causing widespread biome-level changes across the Arctic.

Our research focuses on Arctic streams and the adjacent tundra and boreal forest—a unique environment where a few dominant species drive ecosystem function and change is happening fast. By studying how genes, species, and environments interact across landscapes and over time, we aim to uncover the rules that shape ecosystem resilience.

What We Do

Investigate how ecosystems evolve

Through large-scale field experiments, genomic analyses, and modeling, we explore how genetic changes in individual species ripple through food webs and connected ecosystems.

Over 50 people are working in the Alaskan Arctic as part of EVOME to understand how shrub expansion affects ecosystem function and biodiversity at multiple levels—from genes to ecosystems. We work with the main species of the river and upland food webs, including two widespread Arctic willows, mayflies, stoneflies, ground beetles, Arctic grayling (the only fish in these rivers), and Whitecrowned sparrows and other songbirds.

Train the next generation of biologists

EVOME is building a more inclusive future for science. We’re launching a cross-disciplinary training course, funding student-led research, and offering immersive fellowships designed to support researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds and encourage them to continue their science careers.

Share science through storytelling

We’re inviting journalists into the field to collaborate with researchers and share the evolving story of the Arctic—through blogs, social media, and radio—to ensure science is accessible for everyone.

Why It Matters

As climate change accelerates, the answers we uncover in the Arctic will help us understand what’s possible for ecosystems everywhere. Whether they collapse, persist, or adapt depends on how life itself evolves together.

EVOME is more than a research institute—it’s a collaborative network for discovery, education, and communication about our planet’s future.