‘- In the initial years of my career, my research centered on documenting and conserving animal genetic resources through both in situ and ex situ strategies,’ Goutam Sahana explains. ‘However, as genomic technologies advanced, I transitioned to QTL mapping, marking the beginning of my research on gene mapping. Over the years, I have developed extensive expertise in animal genetics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), functional genomics, and multi-omics approaches, contributing significantly to the advancement of animal genomics research,’ he elaborates.

With the increasing challenges of climate change, it is critical to breed animals and plants to be more climate resilient. Goutam Sahana‘s current research focuses on mapping major genes, understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits, leveraging genomics to study population variability, as well as on the role of epigenome to climate adaptation and the exploration of host-microbiome interactions for sustainable livestock production. 

‘- Building upon my current research, my future work as professor will expand into new areas that leverage advanced genomic technologies, functional genomics, and host-microbiome interactions to address critical challenges in livestock breeding and contribute towards precision breeding,’ Goutam Sahana says.

With more than 300 publications - including articles in high-impact journals in the field such as Nature Genetics, PLOS Genetics, Journal of Dairy Science and Genetics Selection and Evolution – and over 60 peer reviewed publications as first or last author, Goutam Sahana has established a substantial international collaboration network and a strong research profile in animal genetics and genomics.

As newly appointed professor, he aims to foster even stronger collaborations with leading research institutions and industry partners to translate genomic discoveries into practical breeding solutions, and his work aligns closely with the QGG research strategy in genomics, epigenetics, metagenomics, and the center’s position as a leader of sustainable breeding.

Goutam Sahana graduated in Veterinary Medicine from BCKV, West Bengal, India, followed by an MSc in Animal Genetics and Breeding from the National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, India, in 1993. He completed his PhD at the same institution three years later. After his PhD, he worked as a scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research from 1996 to 2003. In 2003, he moved to Denmark with his wife and daughter to take up a researcher position at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, where he later advanced to senior researcher. Following the Institute of Agricultural Sciences’ merger with Aarhus University, he joined the newly established Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Since then, Goutam Sahana has been actively involved in the center’s research activities and development.

Contact: Professor Goutam Sahana, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics.