Path to Impact

We are a leading international and globally connected research, teaching and service institute which is part of the medical faculty at the University of Zurich. We analyse ancient biological material and associated data to better understand modern human health issues and diseases. Due to specialist scientific expertise, excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art methodologies, we are able to work on various interdisciplinary research questions in the context of the field of Evolutionary Medicine.

• In the area of morphology: Clinical Anatomy; Variability and adaptation of body morphology as a function of time (Microevolution), sex, robustness, socio-economic factors etc.; Macroevolution of joint morphology and -pathologies.
• In the area of imaging: application of modern imaging techniques (MRI, terahertz) on historical tissues; Radiological diagnosis of pathologies.
• In the area of ancient DNA: Co-evolution of diseases and the human genome (evolution of human pathogens, microbiome analyses etc.); Service for Archaeology/Historical Anthropology (paternity testing, sex determination).
• Maintain a medical history object collection for the scientific community.
• Ethical considerations for the research on historical human tissues.

We will increase the recognition of the research field of Evolutionary Medicine and expand academic teaching of the subject within and outside the Faculty of Medicine. This will be of a sustainable value for our stakeholders at the University of Zurich, in the research community of evolutionary medicine and adjacent areas, to the economy and ultimately for society in general. We also provide a medical history object collection of the scientific community.

To this end:

• We shall contribute to the discussion of the values and policies, and assist in the implementation of the vision and objectives of the Medical Faculty at the University of Zurich.
• We will maintain a transparent, respectful and mutually trusting dealing with our employees and all other stakeholders.
• We will promote and demand ethical and team-oriented mindset amongst our staff and associated partners.
• We are engaged in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary analysis, where we can support ourselves with in-depth disciplinary knowledge, high methodological expertise, excellent research infrastructure and a strong understanding of quality.
• We will orientate a sustainability principle by careful use of resources, we take a critical look at the potential impact and always consider the social value of our actions.
• We will continuously build a strong national and international network in the field of evolutionary medicine (and adjacent areas).
• We will promote both individual and institutional development potential in our research, teaching and service sectors.
• We make the latest findings from our and others research available to the public through various pathways.
• We are creating a balanced funding environment through financial means of the University, project-related third party funds and demand-oriented service activities.