Introduction and discussion management: Dr. Aida Andrades Valtueña and Dra. Vanessa Villalba Mouco
Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

The so-called paleogenetic revolution has made possible an increased accessibility to genetic data from past populations. This data not only can inform about population events such as migrations, it also holds information of genetic pathologies of at an individual level. The information that we can extract from ancient DNA (aDNA) is not only limited to the individual, it also opens the
possibility to explore and investigate infectious pathogens from the past period.
Even though this is already a reality, many times physical anthropology, archaeology and genetics do not find a common answer. Our main objective would be to make a brief presentation of the state of the art of paleaogenetic studies, as well as generate a joint discussion to evaluate how genetics can provide complementary information to anthropology and paleopathology in
particular. Likewise, we would also like to show the limits of paleaogenetics, as they vary depending on the quality of the aDNA recovered. Thus, we believe that the organisation of this round table about paleogenetics and paleopathology can generate a fruitful and integrative discussion that encompasses all disciplines, as well as propose new methodologies or hypotheses to be taken into account when analysing ancient genetic data.
We would like to extend an invitation to all of you to participate in it.