Research is undertaken on modern populations and, by the analysis of ancient DNA, their precursors.
The Centre uses some of the latest advances in molecular genetics to study questions in human history and pre-history that cannot be addressed by other means. The use of Y chromosome polymorphisms to study relationships between the ancient and modern populations of the Near East, north Africa, east Africa and western Asia with particular emphasis on the relationships of Jewish and Judaic populations. The application of haplotype based Y chromosome classifications to the study of male infertility and male related diseases. Application of ancient DNA techniques to the identification of disease organisms.