Ancient DNA (aDNA) sequencing revolutionised our knowledge on evolution, migration and admixture of archaic and anatomically modern humans. However, no aDNA older than 0.7 million years has been retrieved yet. Ancient proteins instead survive much longer than aDNA, enabling genetic-based reconstruction of evolutionary relations beyond the limits of aDNA degradation.

Presently, there are very few specialists that have been trained to analyse ancient proteins, in stark contrast to the study of aDNA.

The growing demand of information provided by palaeoproteomics will require highly qualified specialists with a multidisciplinary background in analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, palaeoanthropology, palaeontology and archaeology.

PUSHH will provide state-of-the-art doctoral training for 14 ESRs to shape the next generation of scientists that will use palaeoproteomics to advance knowledge about biological and cultural evolution of humans.

PUSHH brings together a multidisciplinary team of 10 beneficiaries and 8 partners from 10 different countries.