Evolutionary geneticist Hendrik Poinar, a leading expert in paleogenomics, has been awarded the first ever Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Genetic Anthropology.

Under this newly established chair, Poinar, a professor in the department of Anthropology and a joint member of the department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, will continue his work in and expand the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre. Poinar founded the Centre, which is North America’s first ancient DNA lab.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. This chair represents the many people from wide ranging disciplines as well as the students who have worked with me for my over 20 years here at McMaster, and I couldn’t have done it without the ongoing support of my wife, family and friends,” Poinar says. “I am tremendously proud all of those who have contributed to so many fascinating projects and am excited about what we can accomplish together in the months and years ahead.”

This joint endowed chair between McMaster’s faculties of Health Sciences and Social Sciences was made possible thanks to a gift from the Michael G. DeGroote Health Sciences Development Fund. It is also receiving matching funds from the Faculty of Social Sciences. Poinar was appointed to the chair on Jan. 1, 2024 for a five-year initial term.

“On behalf of the Faculty of Health Sciences, I want to extend my congratulations to Dr. Poinar on his appointment as the Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Genetic Anthropology,” says Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

“His dedication to unravelling the mysteries of the past through DNA analysis offers unique insight into the evolutionary journey of life on Earth, and important infectious disease insights.”

Poinar is known for his ground-breaking work in extracting and analyzing ancient DNA. He has helped identify the causative agents of some of the most devastating pandemics of the past and shed light on their evolution and extinction.

He pioneered new technologies which have deepened our understanding of the causes and consequences of extinctions of Pleistocene giants, like the woolly mammoth, due to climate and anthropogenic forcing, and has helped in a project led by his wife, Debi Poinar, to determine the cause of death of Chilean poet and Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda.

“Dr. Poinar has made tremendous contributions to genetic anthropology,” says Jeremiah Hurley, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“His interdisciplinary research and the Ancient DNA Centre have expanded our understanding of infectious disease and provided numerous opportunities for burgeoning anthropologists and health scientists to explore an innovative, cross-cutting field of study.

“We celebrate Dr. Poinar’s appointment alongside our colleagues in the Faculty of Health Sciences.