HUMAN ORIGINS - Cluster of Excellence

In the 21st century, new research methods and approaches have revolutionized both the study of human origins and our understanding of them.  We now know that several hominin species – representing a previously unimaginable diversity of human ancestors – not only coexisted in time and space, but also interbred repeatedly, contrary to the prevailing definition of species.  Previous assumptions about evolutionary trends - such as an increase in brain size over time - are now in doubt in light of new data. A new approach is therefore required that can match the rapid pace of methodological developments; an approach which seeks new evidence and closes gaps in the fragmentary investigation of fossil and archaeological finds. The integration of biological, cultural and ecological factors into the analysis of finds enables researchers to recognize previously unseen connections and to develop new theories.

This cluster of excellence is based on three interlinked, diachronic thematic complexes: systematics and evolutionary relationships, the evolution of human cognition, and the evolution of the human ecological niche. Building on these three themes, HUMAN ORIGINS looks at the past five million years of human evolution and explores questions that are fundamental to both knowledge and society, including: Where did we come from and how did we get here? How did it come about that we, Homo sapiens, are the only hominin species still around today? HUMAN ORIGINS is set to help bring about a paradigm shift in the study of human evolution.