This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Francis Crick Institute.
You, dear reader, are full of secrets.
Hidden in your DNA (and mine, and that of everyone else who has ever lived) are extraordinary insights into human history.
Uncover them first-hand with We Go Way Back at the Francis Crick Institute. This free, multi-sensory exhibition invites visitors to step into the shoes of ancient DNA researchers — puzzlemasters in one of science's fastest moving fields — in piecing together tiny fragments of the past to reveal the story of humanity.
Reconstruct a family tree from scattered genetic clues. Discover the diseases that shaped our ancestors. Uncover the life stories of individuals born millennia ago.
Along the way, you'll build up a picture of how populations moved across continents, co-existed with bacteria and viruses, and adapted over hundreds of thousands of years. Whether your interest lies in history, archaeology, science — or simply what it means to be human — We Go Way Back is a must-visit.
What's more, this autumn, you've got the chance to dive even deeper into the intriguing world of ancient DNA. On 14 October, the Francis Crick Institute hosts a free evening of pop-up science delving into topics of identity, connections and belonging. This Ancient DNA Late involves workshops, hands-on activities, talks and more.
Then there's the Crick's weekly Sip of Science events, in which you can chat to researchers from the Institute's Ancient Genomics Lab. More We Go Way Back-themed events are on the horizon, too. Keep an eye out for an April 2027 event on what ancient DNA can tell us about women in pre-history, featuring scientists and historians, and chaired by author Jeanette Winterson.
The exhibition is completely free to visit and there's no need to book — just swing by next time you're around St Pancras (it's just opposite the station!) If you've got time to linger, the Francis Crick Institute also boasts a brilliant cafe, and a play area to keep young children entertained.
The Francis Crick Institute is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday, and We Go Way Back runs until July 2027. Plan your visit today, check out upcoming events and get ready to see the history of humanity from a surprising new perspective.
