Academic who is ‘rewriting human history’ with DNA research awarded global science prize
“His work has broad scientific impact, forcing us to rethink the origins and evolution of human groups, languages, and behaviour”
A Fellow of St John’s College has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Albert Einstein World Award of Science in recognition of his groundbreaking work in evolutionary genetics.
Professor Eske Willerslev, who sequenced the first ancient human genome and pioneered the field of environmental DNA, has been awarded the prize by the World Cultural Council (WCC).
The Albert Einstein World Award of Science was created to recognise and encourage scientific and technological research and development. It takes into special consideration research that has brought 'true benefit and wellbeing to humankind'. The winner is elected by a committee of world-renowned scientists, among them several Nobel Laureates.
The WCC panel of judges said: “The prize is granted in recognition of the numerous breakthroughs in evolutionary genetics Professor Willerslev has made during his highly fruitful career.
“The award recognises his pioneering contributions in establishing the field of environmental DNA and the sequencing of ancient DNA to track the origins and interactions of human population groups.”
Based in Switzerland, the WCC is a non-profit international organisation whose objectives are to promote culture, values and goodwill across the globe.
Professor Willerslev, who is Prince Philip Professor in Ecology and Evolution at the University of Cambridge and Professor and Director at the University of Copenhagen Centre of Excellence in GeoGenetics, was the first researcher to discover how to sequence ancient human genomes.
“His numerous studies on the subject have helped rewrite human history from the origins of Native Americans and Aboriginal Australians through to the peopling of Europe and Asia,” said the awards judges.
“One byproduct of this is the ability to follow the spread of disease risk and comprehend how it differs among peoples. His group’s discovery that pathogen DNA can be obtained from ancient teeth has changed our understanding of the evolution and spread of diseases such as the plague, hepatitis B and smallpox.”
Environmental DNA is when modern and ancient DNA from higher plants and animals are obtained directly from environmental samples. In 2022 it was revealed that Professor Willerslev had for the first time identified two-million-year-old DNA, opening a ‘game-changing’ new chapter in the history of evolution.
In addition to considering the winners’ breakthrough achievements, the judges also consider their qualities as role models who inspire future generations to contribute to a better world.
They added: “Professor Willerslev has produced a rich, diverse catalogue of prehistoric human genetics. His work has broad scientific impact, forcing us to rethink the origins and evolution of human groups, languages, and behaviour, while causing ripples in fields as diverse as medicine, ecology, archaeology and climate science.”
The prize is given annually and consists of a diploma, a commemorative medal and a cheque. The 39th award ceremony will be hosted at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in October 2024 where Professor Willerslev will also give one of the 2024 Beatty Lectures.
Published 7/6/2024