Talks and shows

Historic genomes: Using ancient DNA to uncover the past

Join Pooja Swali to uncover the secrets of ancient DNA, including tracing migrations, family ties, and early outbreaks.

Image by qimono via Pixabay

Ancient DNA offers a remarkable window into our past, allowing us to uncover crucial details about human history that would otherwise remain hidden. Learn how scientists use exciting techniques to trace family trees, understand how people moved around the world, and even recreate entire populations! This powerful tool also sheds light on historical outbreaks, offering new perspectives on how pathogens spread and evolved through time. By studying the genetic remnants of ancient diseases, we can better understand their impact on past civilisations and learn more about the diseases we face today.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Pooja Swali

Pooja Swali

Pooja Swali is a Research Fellow at UCL and her research focuses on the retrieval, detection and analysis of pathogen genomes from historical samples to trace their evolutionary journey across time. Through the combined analysis of ancient and contemporary genomes, her work strives to understand the fundamental evolutionary processes that have influenced the genomes and geographical distribution of these species today. Previously, she completed her PhD at the Francis Crick Institute Ancient Genomics Laboratory (2018 - 2023). In 2023 she was awarded the Scientific Achievement award at the Crick for her PhD work on Prehistoric plague genomes from Britain. Pooja was also awarded the 2023 Agricultural, Biological, and Medical Sciences Award Lecture from the British Science Association for her work in Science Communication.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

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Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions