About this Event
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 and Spotify account shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website and e-newsletters 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 [email protected] 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 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.
Please note that the views and opinions expressed at this event are solely those of the event organisers. They do not necessarily reflect the policies, positions, or views of Augustine United Church.
Support Our Work
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is grateful for our Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.
Founded in 1780, the Society is an independent heritage charity with a global Fellowship. We facilitate research through grants and awards, advocate as a voice for heritage, and share knowledge of the past through events, publications and projects.
Anyone who is interested in Scotland’s past can apply to become a Fellow. In addition to helping to support the Society achieve its aims and charitable objectives, benefits of Fellowship include exclusive online access to all articles in the most recent Proceedings – the Society’s annual peer-reviewed journal, the use of FSAScot postnominals, discounts on Society publications (20%) and some events, and invitations to Fellows-only tours and Online Fellows’ Meetings.
To find out more, please visit our website or sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter.
Scotland’s Heritage Hub: A Gateway to Scotland’s Past
For the past decade, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has been working towards a transformative vision: to create a new home for the Society and a national heritage hub for Scotland.
But we need your help to make this vision a reality. Visit our website for more information on the project and to find out how you can support the fundraising campaign.
Images: A facial reconstruction of Cheddar Man, the oldest (mostly) complete skeleton from Britain, dating to 8607-7982 cal. BCE (© Kennis Brothers/Natural History Museum); Fellows at an exclusive event (© Society of Antiquaries of Scotland); Artist’s impression of the Bristo Place Building (© Benjamin Tindall Architects).
Event venue & nearby stays
Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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