Jump directly to main navigation Jump directly to content Jump to sub navigation
MPI-EVA_Genetics.jpg

Department of Evolutionary Genetics

Director: Prof. Dr. Svante Pääbo

The Department of Evolutionary Genetics studies the genetic history of humans, apes and other organisms. We are interested in both the forces that affect the genome directly, such as mutation and recombination, and in the effects of selection and population history.

The department consists of four tenured faculty members: Svante Pääbo, Mark Stoneking, Janet Kelso and Matthias Meyer; and two non-tenured members: Ben Peter and Benjamin Vernot. 

Genome Projects

The Department of Evolutionary Genetics has been working on a number of genome sequencing projects. Researchers of the department have sequenced and analyzed Neandertal genomes, a Denisovan genome and a bonobo genome.

News

Reisfelder_mu_cang_chai__yenbai_Vietnam_64706282_xl_123rf_acucucu.jpg

Human dispersals during the Holocene

Evolutionary Genetics

Genomic evidence from ancient and modern human DNA indicates a complex history for human migrations

more
NeandertalFatherDaughter.jpeg

Meet the first Neandertal family

Evolutionary Genetics

Ancient genomes of thirteen Neandertals provide a rare snapshot of their community and social organization

more
Svante_KMoebius.jpg

Nobel Prize for Svante Pääbo

Evolutionary Genetics

The director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig is honoured for his…

more