Welker Group

The Welker Group in Biomolecular Palaeoanthropology studies human evolution across the last 1 million years, primarily through the study of ancient proteins and other biomolecules preserved in the skeletal remains of hominins and associated fauna.

We are interested in reconstructing human evolution over the past one million years. During this period, hominin populations diversified, adapted to local and regional environments, and accrued significant behavioural changes evident in the archaeological record. We utilise biomolecular methods, in particular palaeoproteomics, to focus on three related aspects of human evolution research in this time period:

To achieve these goals, we develop and apply novel methods that enhance ancient protein recovery while minimizing sample size requirements. We believe that by collaborating with a range of diverse specialists, our research on ancient humans provides holistic insights into aspects of health and environment relevant to people today.


Publication updates:

Recent news:

PROSPER

VILLUM Experiment 

Caprine Husbandry

PUSHH

ChemArch

The 99%