Our research activities are centred on:

• Systematics and molecular phylogenetic studies, which together with comparative morphology are used to know the phylogenetic relationships that exist at the species level and higher taxa, as well as to contribute to the knowledge of evolution and speciation processes and to the construction of the Tree of Life.
• Phylogeographical studies, in order to understand the processes underlying the spatial and temporal dimensions of genetic variation. This allows to know how the current distribution of the different genetic lineages and how the population structure is determined by its evolutionary history.
• The use of phylogenetic and phylogeographic information to delimitate Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) and Management Units (MUs), susceptible of management action plans.
• Studying the hybridization and introgression processes, both natural and human induced. With this aim in view, we are particularly interested in studying the effect of restocking activities.
• Inferring functional landscape connectivity through landscape genetic approaches by the combined use of GIS modelling and genetic data in order to understand how landscape and environmental features influence population genetic structure.
• Applying GIS methodologies to develop species distribution analysis and modelling.
• The development and application of reliable and unambiguous non-invasive genetic methods to distinguish between species, populations and individuals, for population monitoring purposes of elusive species.
• In summary, our main scientific interest is focused on the knowledge of (1) the processes involved in the origin and maintenance of Biodiversity, (2) the geographical distribution of the genetic lineages, and (3) the application of this knowledge to the adequate management and conservation of Biodiversity.