Eske Willerslev

Eske Willerslev is a Danish evolutionary geneticist and Professor at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Cambridge. He serves as the Prince Philip Chair of Ecology and Evolution at Cambridge and directs the Centre of Excellence in GeoGenetics and National Tissue Bank and Sequencing Facility in Copenhagen. His research spans ancient DNA, environmental DNA, and their applications in human evolution, population genetics, and ecology.

• Education: DSc in Ancient DNA (2004), University of Copenhagen; Cand. Scient. (Masters) in Zoology (1998)

Willerslev pioneered Ice Core Genetics, Environmental DNA, and Ancient Human Genomics. His work includes sequencing the first ancient human genome, analyzing Greenlandic ice cores, and resolving debates on Native American origins. He has led over 20 field expeditions to Siberia, Greenland, and North America.

His recent publications focus on archaeogenomics, Celtic language spread, and autoimmune disease origins. Awards include Honorary Doctorates (Tartu, Oslo), Order of the Dannebrog, and the Lundbeck Foundation Professorship. He has supervised 25 PhD theses, 14 MSc, and 5 BSc students, with a global network of advisees.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Honorary Doctor, University of Tartu (2017)
  • Order of the Dannebrog (Danish royal honor)
  • Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF) Award (2015)
  • Foreign associate member, National Academy of Sciences USA (2014)
  • Lundbeck Foundation Young Scientists Award (2011)

Willerslev collaborates with institutions like the National History Museum, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and industry partners Bavarian Nordic and BGI Europe. He has contributed to documentaries and exhibitions on ancient human migrations and Greenlandic ice.