Biomolecular Palaeoanthropology in the Welker Group

The Welker Group 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.

The Welker group doing fieldwork in a cave.

Research focus

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 utilize biomolecular methods, in particular palaeoproteomics, to focus on three related aspects of human evolution research in this time period:

Phyloproteomics. We utilize ancient protein sequence information to address questions of population affinity and phylogenetic relationships between hominin fossils at a global scale.
Physiology. We aim to develop a holistic view on the biomolecular content of the hominin skeleton, and place this in life history, evolutionary, and behavioural frameworks.
Behaviour. We study faunal datasets using palaeoproteomics methods to address questions on hominin subsistence strategies, animal species selection, their usage in relation to bone artefact production, and human-carnivore interactions.

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.