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By Hector Pascua
Vienna, Austria — A captivating lecture on “The Genetic Origins of the Filipino People” shed new light on the deep and diverse ancestral roots of the Philippines. The event, hosted by the Austro-Philippine Society in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Austria, featured Dr. Maximilian Larena of Uppsala University, Sweden — a leading population geneticist known for his groundbreaking research on human history in the Asia-Pacific region.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Philippine and Southeast Asian research, Dr. Larena was awarded the Ferdinand-Blumentritt Medal by the Austro-Philippine Society. The honor celebrates exceptional scholarly work that strengthens understanding between cultures and advances the study of Philippine heritage.
During his lecture, Dr. Larena presented key findings from years of research conducted by the Larena Lab, which uses a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and geology. His team works closely with indigenous communities across the Philippines, ensuring their voices and stories are reflected in the scientific narrative.
According to Dr. Larena’s findings, the Filipino population emerged from five major waves of migration over the past 50,000 years, making the archipelago one of the most genetically diverse regions in the world. Among the most striking discoveries was that the Ayta Magbukon, an indigenous Negrito group, possess the highest known proportion of Denisovan DNA — a genetic legacy from an ancient human species that interbred with early modern humans in Asia.
The lecture not only deepened understanding of Filipino ancestry but also underscored the Philippines’ central role in unraveling the broader story of human evolution and migration.
The event concluded with words of appreciation to the Austro-Philippine Society and the Philippine Embassy in Austria for organizing the insightful program.
For more on Dr. Larena’s research, visit www.larenalab.com.
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