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ACAD is one of the leading ancient DNA centres in the world, and the
only one in the Southern Hemisphere. With an international reputation for highly-innovative
research, ACAD is developing new platform technologies, and collaborative programs
with international research leaders across multiple fields.
Researchers in ACAD study evolution and environmental change through time
using preserved genetic records in human, animal, plant and sedimentary material.
The centre’s key interests include molecular studies of population genetics,
paleoenvironments, phylogeny, phylogeography, molecular clocks, and the application
of DNA sequences deposited through time.
On-going international projects include
the extinctions of megafauna, impacts of climate change, genetic development
of domestic species, human evolution. The centre also focuses on the genetic
characteristics of extinct species such as mammoth, sabre-tooth cats, cave lions,
New Zealand moa, ancient humans, neandertal and Flores homonids
A major initiative is the study of human evolution, and we are the sole research centre for ancient DNA research in the 'Genographic Project' funded by the National Geographic Society and Waitt Family Foundation, which aims to characterise large numbers of mitochondrial and nuclear markers in a broad survey of human populations around the world.
Visit our website for
more information. |
ACAD welcomes Christina Adler who is undertaking her PhD here entitled, Ancient DNA analysis of humans and dental plaque. Christina did her Honours at the University of Sydney on a project that investigated sexual dimorphism in the deciduous teeth of humans from morphometric variations.
