Warm congratulations to Prof. Erella Hovers from the Institute of Archaeology and her partners at the Institute of Life Sciences - Dr. Oren Kolodny and Dr. Gili Greenbaum, for winning a grant to establish the Minerva Center for the study of Population Fragmentation!

Central processes in evolution, genetics, ecology, cultural change, and diversity are influenced and restricted by partial connections between populations - whether in time, space, or both. Fragmentation of these links may constrain and prolong processes, but simultaneously, it holds the potential to be a catalyst that stimulates and expedites renewal and change.

The new center, which will operate for six years at the Hebrew University, will observe intermediate situations between fragmentation and continuous connections between populations. The premise is that this intermediate state is not only prevalent in the biological-cultural world but also constitutes a fundamental and profound organizing principle.

The topic holds significance in various research fields, including aspects of archaeology. Moreover, it is pertinent to the significant challenges humanity faces today, involving changes and fluctuations such as climate change and population migration. Through courses, research workshops, and training, the new center aims for multidisciplinary integration, fostering a common language and developing research tools.