Andy West (biologist)

Andy West is a British evolutionary biologist and academic. He is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford.

West's research focuses on social evolution, cooperation, and conflict, primarily using microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) as model systems. His work investigates the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation, competition, and cheating, as well as the evolution of virulence and antibiotic resistance. He explores theoretical models and conducts experimental tests to understand the selective pressures shaping social interactions in microbial communities.

A key aspect of his research involves understanding the evolutionary causes and consequences of cooperation, including kin selection, direct reciprocity, and indirect reciprocity. He also investigates how these mechanisms can break down, leading to conflict and the evolution of cheating strategies. His work often involves a combination of theoretical modeling, experimental evolution, and comparative analyses.

West has published extensively in leading scientific journals and has contributed significantly to the field of evolutionary biology. He is also actively involved in science communication and outreach, aiming to make his research accessible to a wider audience.