This lecture will be presented by Dr Tom Booth.

About the Lecture

It has been a decade since the first prehistoric human genomic data from Britain were published, and since then relentless data production and methodological developments have produced genetic information from hundreds of humans who lived between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago.

In this lecture, Dr Tom Booth will discuss the ever-expanding capabilities of archaeogenetic research through a series of case studies from prehistoric Britain, covering the strengths and weaknesses, but primarily highlight how archaeogenetics is producing previously undreamt-of insights into the prehistoric past.

About the Speaker

Dr Booth has a BSc, MSc and PhD in Bioarchaeology from the University of Sheffield Department of Archaeology.

He has spent the last decade working in ancient DNA laboratories studying population history and evolution in Britain over the last 20,000 years.

He is currently an Associate Lecturer in Quantitative Archaeology and Later European Prehistory at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in the Ancient Genomics Laboratory at The Francis Crick Institute.

Format

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@SocietyofAntiquariesofScotland) and Spotify account (https://open.spotify.com/show/6K0WDCDHrA0ZEXJmQwijeT?si=04503a807a914361) shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website and e-newsletters (https://socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cc6994950138423abe2ca2118&id=5dd78901a0) for the latest news and further information on Society events.

Doors open at 5:45pm. The main lecture will be preceded by a short presentation by early career researcher Laura Castells Navarro on the topic of funerary practices in Iron Age northern Britain.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A. In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the debate and other interests with the speakers, Society Fellows and other attendees.

Discount on Society Books

All in-person and online attendees of this event are entitled to £5 off the purchase of any Society book.

Books will be available to purchase from our stall at Augustine United Church at the event, and online attendees will receive a code in their reminder emails to use in our online shop, which will be valid until midnight (UK time) on Saturday 17 April 2027.

Please note: Fellows who are logged in receive a 20% discount on books at checkout on the Society's online shop. This may be combined with the £5 off event discount code. The 20% off for Fellows is an online-only discount and is not redeemable in person at the venue.

Content Warning

This lecture contains images of ancient human remains which some audience members may find distressing.

Your Ticket

Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact events@socantscot.org (https://events@socantscot.org) to allow someone else to take your place.

House Rules

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (for example, offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (for example, with regards to spam) will apply online.

Active and Sustainable Travel

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses (https://www.lothianbuses.com/) run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

Accessibility and Venue

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are welcome inside the venue.

Please note, the hearing loop facility is unavailable. The venue is working on a replacement and hope to have it up and running soon. We apologise for any inconvenience.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

If you require step-free access or any other assistance to enjoy the event as an online or in-person attendee, please let us know by answering the accessibility question at booking.

If there are any other ways we can make this event more accessible for you (as an online or an in-person attendee), please give us details at the booking stage. Thank you.

You can find further information on the venue’s accessibility on the Augustine United Church website (https://www.augustine.org.uk/about-us/accessib

Description supplied by the event organiser.