
A.D.A.P.T.
Ancient DNA course
Updated: Oct 29, 2018
Daniel Wegmann of our ADAPT network, together with Zuzana Hofmanová and Laurent Excoffier organized the course Ancient DNA: A Time-machine to Study Evolution which was held in beautiful Leukerbad (https://goo.gl/bm1yS5). The workshop was aimed at students in evolutionary biology that are using or are planning to use genetic data, and in particular ancient DNA, for their research. It was thus an opportunity for the ADAPT network to support this important training component for postgraduate or early career post-doctoral students.

Here, Isabel Alves, an early career post-doc at the University of Nantes, reflects on her experience of the course:
The course “Ancient DNA: a time machine to study evolution” held in the beautiful location of Leukerbad in the Swiss Alps and jointly organised by the University of Fribourg and the University of Bern provided me with a comprehensive picture of the current status of the field. The course included a series of research talks focused on the analysis of ancient DNA to shed light on the evolution of organisms ranging from humans to protists giving a wide perspective on the scientific questions that can possibly be addressed through the use of fossil DNA, the most consensual sequencing technologies and technical concerns. Furthermore, the course encompassed a round of talks focused on future developments of the field with respect to evolutionary-related questions, theoretical problems and technical issues that remain to be addressed. The organization of the course promoted active interactions between participants and speakers leading to very insightful debates. Therefore, by attending this course I learned about the state of the art of ancient DNA studies, which will surely contribute to the successful development of the projects I am involved in.