Ancient DNA Science Faces New Scrutiny From Social Scientists
As paleogenomics gains computational power, researchers warn that scientists, policymakers, and businesses must address overlooked questions about who controls genetic narratives of human history. A new framework identifies four critical gaps: how data shapes interpretations, how communities consent to research, whose interests are served, and how genetic claims influence policy on identity and ancestry.
Originaltitel: Engaging with palaeogenomics beyond the lab
<p>As ancient DNA (aDNA) science enters a new phase of computational and institutional power, what should social scientists and humanities scholars focus on? This article identifies questions that examine the relationships between scientists, research participants, communities and publics, and how these groups engage with, appropriate or resist palaeogenomic accounts of the past. We outline four areas for research: the social relations underlying data generation, interpretation and dissemination; community engagement beyond harm-centred ethical frameworks; the diverse publics with stakes in aDNA science; and the politics of constructing genetic pasts, both deep and recent. This agenda is designed to engage with researchers and communities finding new ways to narrate pasts, presents and futures through genetic science.</p>