The tremendous variability of behaviors observed between individuals, and across populations and species, makes studying the molecular basis of behavioral traits particularly challenging. Little is known on how genes contribute to shape behaviors. Recent progress in genomics represents a fantastic opportunity to tackle this cornerstone question. AVOIDINBRED aims to decipher the genetic basis of kin recognition in the parasitoid Venturia wasp. The kin recognition behavior is critical to animal biology including in the context of mating: by allowing individuals to avoid mating with sibs, kin recognition determines individual fitness in numerous animal species (social and solitary) by reducing the risk of inbreeding depression, consanguinity. Kin recognition has population consequences in terms of genetic diversity, where inbreeding causes erosion of the genetic diversity and can lead ultimately to extinction. In AVOIDINBRED, we will identify and characterize candidate genes involved in kin recognition during mating in the Venturia wasp by genomic approaches, and perform strategic functional validation of candidate genes and pathways using specific genetic manipulations as well as global pharmacological manipulations. The project will provide new knowledge in behavioral ecology where the question of how genes influence behavior is fundamental. Over mid-term, it will contribute to develop new strategies in conservation biology in particular for hymenoptera insects known to have important ecological and economic functions as pollinator or biocontrol agents. The coordinator will benefit from an excellent scientific environment to implement the project and to successfully develop this exciting research axes.