Eske Willerslev

Eske Willerslev Comes to Bremen Theater With The Hunt For The World's Oldest DNA

For 20 years, Eske Willerslev has delivered groundbreaking research results that have reached the world. This year, his tireless pursuit of DNA from the past once again caused an international stir when he appeared on the cover of the prestigious journal Nature.

In his brand new talk, Eske takes the audience behind the research and on a time journey two million years back in time — peppered with stories, insights and entertaining anecdotes.

The hunt for the world's oldest DNA leads to desolate and extreme conditions in the quest to understand our deep past. But the story begins with Eske's crucial discovery: DNA is not only bound to living organisms or skeletons, but is found all around us -- and degrades far more slowly than previously thought.

Today, the quest is about finding DNA from all of human history — and even from before man existed.

The lecture provides insight into puzzles such as the extinction of Ice Age animals, plants that could grow in darkness, and human immigration to America. Eske Willerslev also explains how DNA from the past can help us understand — and perhaps solve — some of the challenges facing climate change.

What can the DNA of the past tell us about the present? And how can that knowledge be used in the future?

Eske Willerslev is a world-renowned DNA researcher, professor and Director of the University of Copenhagen's Centre of Excellence GeoGenetics. He is a member of the Adventurers' Club and has led expeditions to Siberia and Greenland, among others.

He has received numerous awards -- not least for his ability to disseminate research and put science on the public agenda.

Doors open: 18:00
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