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Who are we? Where do we come from? Where do we belong? And where are we going? Walter Pohl started the 14th S.M.A.R.T. Lecture held on 26 March at CeMM with these fundamental questions of historical research, emphasizing why history remains of utmost importance to modern societies, beyond popular preconceptions.

In his engaging lecture, he demonstrated how these questions can be approached through a fascinating combination of classical historical research, archaeology, and genetics—moving beyond the misguided past attempts that were tainted by nationalism and racism. The rapid development of archaeogenetics has opened up spectacular new possibilities for understanding human history. While early research in this field primarily focused on human evolution and prehistory, recent advancements have extended its reach into historical periods.

Pohl presented key insights from his ERC Synergy Grant project HistoGenes, which investigates the genetic, historical, and archaeological background of population changes in Eastern Central Europe between 400 and 900 AD. The project integrates genetics, archaeology, anthropology, and historical analysis to reconstruct how communities formed, moved, and evolved. By analyzing entire burial sites, HistoGenes provides a more comprehensive picture of the past, revealing new perspectives on migration, identity, and social structures.

Throughout the lecture, Pohl addressed the interplay between genetics and history, emphasizing that genetic research must be combined with historical and archaeological insights to avoid deterministic interpretations of identity. He explored key research questions, including how human communities form, the impact of migrations, and the influence of external factors such as climate and disease on historical demographics. Additionally, he highlighted the challenges of interpreting ethnicity and identity through a genetic lens, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure accurate and meaningful conclusions.

The lecture attracted a highly engaged audience, whose enthusiasm was evident in the numerous questions posed after the talk. The discussions continued in a lively and stimulating atmosphere over wine and cheese, providing an opportunity for further exchange of ideas and perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Walter Pohl for his inspiring and thought-provoking lecture, which left us all with a deeper appreciation for the interdisciplinary power of historical research!

About the CeMM S.M.A.R.T. Lecture series

The S.M.A.R.T. Lecture series, an initiative launched by CeMM, is dedicated to addressing current scientific challenges at the intersection of science and society. These lectures foster an interdisciplinary discourse, encouraging researchers to expand their horizons beyond their own fields and engage in meaningful dialogues with a wider audience. From science and medicine to art, research, and technology, the S.M.A.R.T. Lectures cover a diverse range of topics, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.