The Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics focuses on the biological research of humans in both contemporary and past populations. The department addresses a wide range of research topics, spanning from retrospective anthropology to the study of variability in modern humans.
The department is divided into the following laboratories:
- Bone Tissue Laboratory
- Laboratory of 3D Imaging and Analytical Methods (L3D)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Anthropology (LBA)
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology (LMA)
The first two laboratories work with skeletal material and primarily study human morphological variability. Bone Tissue Lab and L3D focus on the study of functional adaptation in the skeleton, inferring behavior in past populations, and taphonomic changes in the skeleton. It also employs experimental testing of biomechanical models. L3D uses methods of virtual anthropology and, in addition to retrospective anthropology, focuses mainly on forensic and biomedical research. It addresses questions related to craniofacial growth in the current population, including soft tissues, and the postoperative development of various congenital defects with facial malformations.
LBA and LMA focus on morphological and genetic variability in the contemporary human population. LBA concentrates on postnatal human growth and development in relation to lifestyle changes and their reflection in morphological and functional somatic parameters. LMA studies the molecular-genetic aspects of autoimmune and polygenic diseases. Additionally, the laboratory investigates variability in the human genome and immune response.
The department cooperates with other institutions, such as the Institute of Archaeology of CAS, the National Museum, IKEM (Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine), Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (Charles University), CTU (Czech Technical University in Prague), Institute of Endocrinology, which are involved in solving research problems, teaching and conducting student work.
Where to find us?
Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics
Faculty of Science, Charles University
Viničná 7
128 00 Prague 2
