On 21–22 May 2026, the “PopGen 2026” conference, Population Genetics from the Baltic Perspective: Past Migrations and Relations, organised by the Lithuanian Society of Human Genetics and the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University (VU), took place at the Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center hotel in Vilnius. The aim of the event was to discuss the significance of contemporary and ancient Baltic population genomics research in reconstructing past human migrations, interpopulation relationships, and the impact of these processes on present-day public health in the Baltic region.
The participants were welcomed by the Rector of Vilnius University, Prof. Dr Rimvydas Petrauskas; the Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the VU Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr Karolis Ažukaitis; and Assoc. Prof. Dr Ingrida Domarkienė, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology and Paleogenetics. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr I. Domarkienė, the conference was intended to provide scientists, researchers, and students with opportunities to establish new professional connections, exchange experience, and discuss potential future collaborative projects.
The conference focused on ancient DNA research and explored how genetic studies intersect with archaeological and linguistic data, enabling a more detailed reconstruction of the history and cultural processes of populations in the Baltic region. Research on the DNA of contemporary populations was also discussed, alongside presentations on the activities of biobanks and genome centres, their significance for biomedical and population genetics research, and the opportunities for using biological samples and genetic data. The importance of international collaboration was likewise emphasised.
Invited speakers included leading experts in their respective fields: Prof. Dr Kristiina Tambets (University of Tartu, Estonia), Prof. Dr Kristian Kristiansen (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), Dr Malene Bøgehus Rasmussen (Danish National Genome Center), Dr Zuzana Hofmanová (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany), Prof. Dr Laima Ambrozaitytė (Vilnius University), as well as other researchers representing scientific institutions from Estonia, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Sweden, and Lithuania. Through oral and poster presentations, participants introduced the latest research in archaeogenetics, archaeology, population genetics, and linguistics, while also discussing recent methodological advances, new insights, and future perspectives.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to donate blood samples to the Biobank of Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders. An exhibition featuring sponsors associated with the scientific field was also held.
The conference strengthened international collaboration, promoted interdisciplinarity, and inspired the continuation of similar conferences in other Baltic region countries.
Article was originally published by Vilnius University
Photo gallery (photos by Ugnius Bagdonavičius): https://www.mf.vu.lt/en/about/news/41-general-news/5527-popgen-2026-in-vilnius-exploring-the-opportunities-and-importance-of-research-into-the-genetic-history-of-the-baltic-region
