Jump directly to main navigation Jump directly to content Jump to sub navigation

Haplo Group

Group dinner in 2025.
The group enjoying dinner in Leipzig (2025).

Our research focusses on estimating population and social structure from DNA data. We are interested in

  1. Developing computational methods for analyzing ancient DNA (aDNA). We work on pushing haplotype-based methods towards the low sequencing coverage regime typical for aDNA. 
  2. Population Genetic analysis of aDNA produced at MPI-EVA and elsewhere. One special focus is on data from the ancient Mediterranean generated via MHAAM (Max Planck – Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean).

Identity by Descent segments in ancient DNA

hmm_sketch.png
Sketch of method to detect IBD in imputed and phased ancient individuals with a Hidden Markov Model. Phase switch errors (switches in violet segments) are modeled as jumps to different HMM states.

We are interested in utilizing the power of IBD segments for demographic inference. These blocks are the genomic signposts of recent genealogical connections between two individuals, they are co-inherited identically from a recent common ancestor. We have a vision based on population genetic arguments that IBD segments hold ample power to infer recent demography, such as rates of mobility and population size trajectories.

However, while such analyses are commonly applied to modern DNA, the low-coverage regime typical of aDNA data is not accessible with standard approaches. Currently, we are working on

  1. Detecting IBD in aDNA with specifically developed methods.
  2. Turning IBD segments inferred in aDNA into demographic estimates.

This progress will allow us to address key questions about the human past in a completely new way.

Group Members

Group leader

PhD researchers

Associated PhD Researchers

Visiting Researchers

  • Edward Huang; Visiting researcher (Fulbright Program)
  • Jiaming Xue; Visiting PhD Researcher

Group Alumni