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Erik Postma

@erikpostma.bsky.social

Associate Professor @ University of Exeter in Cornwall #ExeterCEC Evolution and genetics of life, love and death. Also: 🐈 πŸ“ 🍺 🚴 πŸ”οΈ πŸ‡³πŸ‡± πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

1,336 Followers  |  1,376 Following  |  32 Posts  |  Joined: 18.10.2023
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Posts by Erik Postma (@erikpostma.bsky.social)

2026 is an exciting time for evolutionary ecology: a dedicated conference AND a dedicated Special Interest Group, with plans to make the ExE meeting an annual event, regular workshops and more to support our community! bsky.app/profile/bes-...

02.03.2026 12:49 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This will be the first conference where we'll have a presence! We're very keen to learn what the evolutionary ecology community would like to see from an organisation representing it so please come along to our discussion session to tell us.

02.03.2026 12:57 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

We already have more than πŸ’― participants for #ExE2026, but there are still places available.

Once you have registered, you have until April 1 to submit an abstract, so don’t miss out and register now at sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/registra...

Everything you need to know is πŸ‘‡ and at evoxeco.uk!

02.03.2026 09:32 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Welcome ExE 2026 is a 3-day conference aimed at evolutionary ecologists from around the world, hosted by the University of Exeter in beautiful Cornwall. It provides a friendly and inclusive platform for all c...

For UK folks in #Ecology and #Evolution, we are hosting a conference here in Cornwall! Great chance for a summer staycation June 29-July 3.

Plus, we've managed to make it affordable: Β£250 + Β£49/night for accommodation.

#EvolBiol #EcoEvo

sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/

19.02.2026 17:25 β€” πŸ‘ 23    πŸ” 12    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 2
Decline in body mass in adult (left) and nestling great tits. In the nestling plot, the purple line represents all nestling and the green line those that recruited to the population as breeders. Their different slope suggest an increase in the strength of selection on nestling mass something confirmed in the MS by analysing the temporal trends in selection differentials (see link for further information)

Decline in body mass in adult (left) and nestling great tits. In the nestling plot, the purple line represents all nestling and the green line those that recruited to the population as breeders. Their different slope suggest an increase in the strength of selection on nestling mass something confirmed in the MS by analysing the temporal trends in selection differentials (see link for further information)

We have published a new pre-print showing a decline in great tit adult and nestling mass of around 1 gram in 47 y. [rate of approx. -0.040 Hadanes] With @ellafcole.bsky.social, @devisatarkar.bsky.social, Sam. Crofts, @mcmahok.bsky.social & @sheldonbirds.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

15.02.2026 17:07 β€” πŸ‘ 61    πŸ” 31    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 3
Preview
Welcome ExE 2026 is a 3-day conference aimed at evolutionary ecologists from around the world, hosted by the University of Exeter in beautiful Cornwall. It provides a friendly and inclusive platform for all career-stages to showcase

Register now for the ExE 2026 Conference in Cornwall, UK, focusing on evolutionary ecology. Join exciting sessions and workshops! Spots are limited. More info: https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/ #conference

16.02.2026 11:04 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This is gearing up to be such a fantastic conference. Filling a void in the meeting landscape that’s been ever more conspicuous. So much so that moves are already afoot to organise a sequel.

So if Future You wants to boast that you’ve been to them all, you will need to register ASAP.

13.02.2026 12:57 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Join us for 4 days of cutting-edge Evolutionary Ecology research in beautiful Cornwall! πŸ‘‡ #ExE2026

13.02.2026 12:12 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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#ExE2026 takes place at @exeter.ac.uk's #Cornwall campus, and is organised by @uniexecec.bsky.social's @erikpostma.bsky.social @btschirren.bsky.social @blongdon.bsky.social @ali--wilson.bsky.social and @hansonmark.bsky.social

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

#ExE2026 is only possible thanks to generous financial support by NERC www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/, @uniexecec.bsky.social @exeter.ac.uk @royalsocietypublishing.org LGC Biosearch www.biosearchtech.com, @physaliacourses.bsky.social

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Workshops There will be a pre-conference workshop and a number of post-conference workshops. You can also participate in these if you are not attending ExE 2026, but you will need to register for them and we

And why not stay a bit longer and attend one of many #ExE2026 pre- and post-conference workshops, including a publishing workshop by our sponsor @royalsocietypublishing.org sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/post-con...

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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In addition to great science πŸ§ͺ🧬🌳πŸͺ°, this is your chance to explore some of the best places in #Cornwall, such as Kynance Cove and the Lizard, Glendurgan Gardens, the Helford River by boat! πŸ₯Ύβ›΄οΈ πŸ”­ sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/excursio...

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
Programme We have a diverse programme, including plenary and keynote speakers, contributed talks and posters, excursions and conference dinner. Scientific programme There will be two parallel sessions, covering...

Our stellar 🀩 list of invited speakers #ExE2026: @danielbolnick.bsky.social Trine Bilde, Dan Nussey, @sevans.bsky.social @andrewfoote.bsky.social @cleliagasparini.bsky.social Sarah Knowles, @liamlachs.bsky.social, Lizy Mittell, @keesvanoers.bsky.social, Alex Popadopolous & Katja RÀsÀnen. evoxeco.uk

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
ExE 2026

ExE 2026

Interested in the interface of evolution 🧬 and ecology 🌳? Then you cannot miss #ExE2026! Hosted by @uniexecec.bsky.social in beautiful #Cornwall, this #conference has a stellar line-up of speakers and lots of pre-and post-conference workshops. Space is limited, so register now at evoxeco.uk!

13.02.2026 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 27    πŸ” 32    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 5

#ExE2026 is organised by @erikpostma.bsky.social @btschirren.bsky.social @blongdon.bsky.social @ali--wilson.bsky.social @hansonmark.bsky.social, all based at @uniexecec.bsky.social @exeter.ac.uk

21.11.2025 16:49 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Welcome ExE 2026 is a 3-day conference aimed at evolutionary ecologists from around the world, hosted by the University of Exeter in beautiful Cornwall. It provides a friendly and inclusive platform for all c...

If our official URL doesn't work, use sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/ instead.

21.11.2025 16:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

A lot has happened since our first announcement of #ExE2026, an evolutionary ecology conference hosted by @uniexecec.bsky.social in #Cornwall from June 29 to July 3 2026.

Have a look at our new website to see our confirmed plenary speakers, the mid-conference excursions, and more.

πŸ‘‰ evoxeco.uk πŸ‘ˆ

21.11.2025 16:49 β€” πŸ‘ 18    πŸ” 22    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Gamebirds: A One Health Approach to Understanding and Mitigating the Risk of AMR Evolution and Spread through Ecosystems at University of Exeter on FindAPhD.com PhD Project - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Gamebirds: A One Health Approach to Understanding and Mitigating the Risk of AMR Evolution and Spread through Ecosystems at University of Exeter, list...

*PhD opportunity @uniexecec.bsky.social* How does antimicrobial resistance spread through ecosystems?

Combine fieldwork (rodent trapping 🐭, habitat surveys 🌳, pheasant sampling 🦀), molecular techniques, GIS, and spatial modelling to understand AMR evolution and spread. πŸ”¬πŸ¦ πŸ§ͺ
Please repost!

12.11.2025 18:07 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 19    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Investigating the Role of Host Microbiome Dynamics as Drivers of Wildlife Disease Using a One Health Framework at University of Exeter on FindAPhD.com PhD Project - Investigating the Role of Host Microbiome Dynamics as Drivers of Wildlife Disease Using a One Health Framework at University of Exeter, listed on FindAPhD.com

**PhD opportunity at @uniexecec.bsky.social** How does host microbiome dynamics affect wildlife disease?

Combine molecular techniques, statistical modelling, and field sampling to understand how microbiome dynamics in 🦑 affects their susceptibility to bTB. πŸ”¬πŸ¦ πŸ§ͺ Please repost! shorturl.at/q3OxV

13.11.2025 20:34 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

**PhD opportunity @uniexecec.bsky.social** How is immunogenetic variation maintained in the wild?

Why are alleles that increase disease susceptibility maintained in populations, when natural selection should eliminate them?

15.11.2025 18:48 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Congratulations to Dr @euantheyoung.bsky.social who defended his PhD yesterday on 'Family matters: The role of trade-offs in shaping human life-histories and health' research.rug.nl/en/publicati... @rug.nl supervised with @erikpostma.bsky.social @lummaalab.bsky.social πŸŽ‰

18.11.2025 08:58 β€” πŸ‘ 37    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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First up - understanding how the host microbiome can shape prevalence and severity of infection with Mycobacterium bovis in wild European Badgers, funded by @swbiodtp.bsky.social

bpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.bristo...

Co-supervised by @btschirren.bsky.social
#mycobacterium #badger #melesmeles

04.11.2025 09:34 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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We have just launched our projects for #phd studentships starting in Sept 26 πŸ™Œ

⏰Application deadline: Midday, Wed 3 Dec 25

Come and see the (wide!) range of #bioscience projects πŸ‘‰ tinyurl.com/3m9um286

04.11.2025 16:01 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2
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De risico’s en voordelen van oudere broers en zussen Jong Geleerd: Hoe meer kinderen een moeder krijgt, hoe minder lang ze zelf leeft. Tenminste, dat gold voor Finse moeders ten tijde van de Grote Finse Hongersnood. Deze en andere opmerkelijke feiten de...

... and in Dutch national newspaper @NRC www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...

10.11.2025 12:46 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Having children plays a complicated role in the rate we age The effort of reproducing may divert energy away from repairing DNA or fighting illness, which could drive ageing, but a new study suggests that is only the case when environmental conditions are toug...

And his amazing work hasn't gone unnoticed, as evidenced by coverage in @newscientist.com www.newscientist.com/article/2503...

10.11.2025 12:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

A week before his defence @rug.nl, the publication of @euantheyoung.bsky.social's chapter on the lifespan cost of reproduction in @science.org Advances - with @hannahdugdale.bsky.social, @lummaalab.bsky.social and myself - couldn't have been better timed! πŸ‘ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯‚https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adz6422

10.11.2025 12:39 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A teal flyer for a PhD opportunity to investigate how warming may change antimicrobial resistance. The project will use experiments on Klebsiella bacteria to answer questions about how temperature affects their response to antibiotics, plasmid transfer, and fitness costs. The research involves microbiology lab work, bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling. The flyer includes contact details for Dr. Daniel Padfield and the logos of the sponsoring institutions.

A teal flyer for a PhD opportunity to investigate how warming may change antimicrobial resistance. The project will use experiments on Klebsiella bacteria to answer questions about how temperature affects their response to antibiotics, plasmid transfer, and fitness costs. The research involves microbiology lab work, bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling. The flyer includes contact details for Dr. Daniel Padfield and the logos of the sponsoring institutions.

I have an MRC-funded PhD project available (www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...) on how warming will change the problem of AMR. Join a small and friendly group (padpadpadpad.netlify.app/about) in (sometimes) sunny Cornwall. πŸ§ͺ🦠 #microsky

Please share the ad below with anyone who may be interested.

16.09.2025 08:08 β€” πŸ‘ 38    πŸ” 44    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
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2 job adverts on a NERC project w myself + @darrenobbard.bsky.social on β€œWhat determines the virome: ecology and the environment, evolution, or species history?” early 2026 in
@uniexecec.bsky.social
- Postdoc: jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
- RA: jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
Pls share!

25.09.2025 15:55 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 42    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
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Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...

18.09.2025 12:29 β€” πŸ‘ 68    πŸ” 77    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Well that’s the β€œhighlight” of my week for sure!
Thrilled to see our recent paper covered in Nature’s Research Highlight: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Also see @markspa.bsky.social’s neat explainer below.

05.09.2025 09:46 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0