Modern DNA sequencing generates vast amounts of genetic data, allowing evolutionary processes to be studied in unprecedented detail. Translating these data into reliable biological insight, however, requires statistical methods that are not only mathematically sound but also robust, transparent, and practical to use.

In his PhD project, Janek Sendrowski developed new methods and accompanying software to infer natural selection and population history from genetic data. His work focuses on improving the reliability of methods used to analyze genome-wide data, with attention to how demographic forces such as population size changes and natural selection interact.

One part of the thesis introduces fastDFE, a software framework for estimating the fitness effects of new mutations. This framework enables comparative analyses of natural selection across species and is applied to a large-scale primate genomic dataset. Another part presents PhaseGen, a tool for computing exact population-genetic quantities under complex population histories, enabling more precise inference of population dynamics over time.

A central theme of the project is robust software development. The tools were designed with reproducibility, clear documentation, and computational efficiency in mind, reducing the risk of errors and making them more accessible to the research community.

The PhD degree was completed at the Bioinformatics Research Centre (BiRC), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday, 16 March 2026 at 13:15
Place: Building 1872, room 347, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Title of dissertation: Robust Inference Software in Population Genetics
Contact: Janek Sendrowski, e-mail: sendrowski.janek@birc.au.dk
Members of the assessment committee:
Anastasia Ignatieva, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford
Anders Albrechtsen, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen
Esben Lorentzen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor: Thomas Bataillon, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor: Asger Hobolth, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English.

The defense is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C