About the Collective

We are a community of researchers from diverse backgrounds who explore becoming and being human, in relation to the world around us and other living beings.

Mission statement

A better understanding of the human condition can only occur when we situate our present in the past, and vice versa. We offer a uniquely broad approach to human evolution, from pre-humans to present-day populations, including insights from humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, and archaeology. We are committed to collaborative, interdisciplinary open science, and a clear focus on both scientific and societal impact.

Initiated by staff at the Faculty of Archaeology, the collective includes members from Leiden University (Institute of Biology, Center for Environmental Studies, Institute for Psychology, Center for Linguistics), the LUMC, and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. The collective explores a diverse range of research projects, and members are heavily involved in teaching and public engagement.