History
The Department of Genetics and Evolution, formerly Department of Zoology and Animal Biology, is derived from the former Institute of Zoology. As one of the four main initial institutes of the Faculty of Sciences, it has developed alongside physics, chemistry and botany.
The pioneers
The first Chair of Zoology was awarded to Augustin-Pyramus de Candolle in 1802 as Honorary Professor. This was followed by Louis Jurine, and later the chair was converted into an effective Chair of natural history for A.-P. de Candolle, who taught until 1835 both botany and zoology.
When he retired, the task was divided into two separate Chairs. Botany and Zoology. This latter was taken by François-Jules Pictet de la Rive, who was professor of Zoology from 1835 to 1848 and Professor of Paleontology, Zoology and Comparative Anatomy from 1848 to 1872. His studies on insects established his reputation.
Carl Vogt
Carl Vogt replaced Pictet de la Rive in 1872. He took over teaching in four different fields: Geology, Paleontology, Zoology and Comparative Anatomy. He was a prolific researcher, publishing on the anatomy of gastropods, Siphonophora, and pelagic tunicates.
During this period, the teaching of zoology was complemented by a regular Chair of Embryology and Teratology awarded to Prof. Hermann Fol (1878-1885).
A push toward experimentation
Emile Guyénot oriented his teaching towards general biology and integrated modern concepts of evolution. He was determined to make Geneva a renown center for experimental biology. In 1933, support from the Rockefeller Foundation enabled the construction of a new experimental station of zoology in Malagnou.
Guyénot revolutionized the teaching of zoology, adaptation it to both physicians and biologists. His research in regeneration, sexuality, and genetics (Drosophila) left a lasting legacy.
In 1942, Kitty Ponse was appointed as "Chargé de cours" after years of collaboration in experimental endocrinology. She was nominated as professor in 1961.
Expansion and Diversification
In 1961, Michael Fischberg succeeded E. Guyénot. Under his direction, the department maintained three active laboratories focusing on Developmental Biology, Endocrinology, and Comparative Anatomy.
The department was subsequently strengthened by the appointments of Professors Gerard de Haller (Protistology), Hans Gloor (Genetics), Marc Crippa (Molecular Embryology), Karl Illmensee (Vertebrate Embryology), Michael O'Shea (Neuropeptides), and Louisette Zaninetti (Animal Systematics).
Modern times
Under the leadership of Prof. Pierre Spierer (appointed 1990), the department moved into the new Sciences III building. The field of animal developmental genetics was strengthened via the appointments of Prof. Vincenzo Pirrotta and Prof. Denis Duboule in 1992.
In 2001, the NCCR 'Frontiers in Genetics' was created, providing substantial funding and re-enforcing Geneva as a centre for genetics. The department was chaired by Prof. Duboule from 1997 to 2017, and then by Professor Ivan Rodriguez.
Birth of GenEv
In 2011, the new Department of Genetics & Evolution was born. The Anthropology Unit (UA) joined the department, widening its realm of competences.
Today, GenEv includes research operations led by Professors Guillaume Salbreux, Michel Milinkovitch, Ivan Rodriguez, Joanito Liberty, Alessandro De Simone, Emi Nagoshi, and Alicia Sanchez-Mazas.