Using parasite population genomics to improve understanding of malaria epidemiology (360G-Wellcome-204911_Z_16_Z)

This collaborative project will use genomic approaches to characterise demographic flux and evolutionary trends in the malaria parasite population. Using novel methods for parasite genome sequencing that are suitable for large-scale field applications, we will perform longitudinal studies of parasite population genomics at multiple locations with different transmission intensities in Africa and Southeast Asia, and we will examine the clinical and epidemiological correlates of population genomic variables under a range of ecological settings. We will develop statistical and computational approaches to use longitudinally sampled genome sequencing data to construct spatial maps of parasite demography and examine how this changes over time. We will promote collaboration between experts on population genomics, geospatial mapping and mathematical modelling to use these data to inform and improve epidemiological models of malaria transmission. Our overarching goal is to establish the practical and analytical foundations to use parasite genome sequencing to investigate the causes of epidemiological events such as resurgence and emerging drug resistance, and thus to assist in planning effective interventions.