Lecture by prof. Mark Thomas at the Faculty of Biological Sciences
As part of the IDUB programme (short-term visits), the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Wrocław will be hosting prof. Mark Thomas from the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London. He will deliver a public lecture entitled Dairying, diseases and the evolution of lactase persistence in Europe. The event will take place on 23 September 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the large hall at ul. Sienkiewicza 21 (UWr Museum of Natural History building).
Bio
Professor Mark Thomas researches the biological and cultural aspects of human evolution, employing computer simulations and statistical modelling to analyse genetic data – including ancient DNA – as well as archaeological evidence. His work focuses on processes such as migration and population dispersal, natural selection in response to dietary changes and infectious disease pressures, and the impact of demography on cultural evolution. His studies include groundbreaking discoveries, among them the first direct ancient DNA evidence that early European farmers were not directly descended from indigenous hunter-gatherers, as well as evidence that the ability to digest milk (lactase persistence) evolved independently in Africa and Europe and was absent in early European farmers and many other populations.
Date of publication: 8.09.2025
Added by: M.K.
