In this lecture, Dr Tom Booth will discuss the ever-expanding capabilities of archaeogenetic research through a series of case studies from prehistoric Britain, covering the strengths and weaknesses, but primarily highlight how archaeogenetics is producing previously undreamt-of insights into the prehistoric past.

About the Speaker

Dr Booth has a BSc, MSc and PhD in Bioarchaeology from the University of Sheffield Department of Archaeology.

He has spent the last decade working in ancient DNA laboratories studying population history and evolution in Britain over the last 20,000 years.

He is currently an Associate Lecturer in Quantitative Archaeology and Later European Prehistory at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in the Ancient Genomics Laboratory at The Francis Crick Institute.

Format

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel and Spotify account shortly after the lecture.

Doors open at 5:45pm. The main lecture will be preceded by a short presentation by early career researcher Laura Castells Navarro on the topic of funerary practices in Iron Age northern Britain.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A. In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the debate and other interests with the speakers, Society Fellows and other attendees.

(The views and opinions expressed at this event are solely those of the event organisers. They do not necessarily reflect the policies, positions, or views of Augustine United Church.)

Please note that this event is not being coordinated by Dig It!. While Dig It! takes every opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate, we advise that you contact the event organiser before attending the event to avoid disappointment. As “39% of transport emissions come from cars” according to Net Zero Nation, Dig It! also encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to arrive at this event if possible.

Image: A facial reconstruction of Cheddar Man, the oldest (mostly) complete skeleton from Britain, dating to 8607-7982 cal. BCE (© Kennis Brothers/Natural History Museum)