Prof. Dr. Bertrand Ludes

Research priorities: genetic finger printing, genome analysis, analysis of ancient DNA, STR typing, forensic techniques
Bertrand Ludes is a forensic pathologist and is considered to be a pioneer in the analysis of ancient DNA. He has developed methods for genome analysis. He has used these methods to explain the origins of populations in Mongolia and the influence of steppe tribes on the population of Siberia.
In order to create a genetic fingerprint, repetitive DNA sequences are used, referred to as Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Ludes developed STR typing for ancient DNA, extracted from the hair of Siberian mummies. A further method used in forensics is SNP typing (single nucleotide polymorphism). Bertrand Ludes performed the first successful test of Y-SNP typing using SNaPshot minisequencing on ancient DNA. He was able to reveal new insights into the history of the Kurgan people of southern Siberian from ancient DNA and investigated their pigmentation phenotype and biogeographical origin from the ancient remains of human bones.
Ludes also developed a new technique for proving death by drowning. This method can be used to accurately detect diatoms in tissue and compare them with diatoms in water samples. He has played a key role in the development and updating of this method and thus also supports the analysis of diatoms in bodies of water.
With his research, Bertrand Ludes aims to further develop forensic techniques and methods of analysis. He would like to discover more genetic markers in ancient DNA, make increasing use of robots and use samples to clarify when autopsies are necessary.