We focus on the evolutionary history of modern humans and archaic hominins in Australasia
Our research spans archaeology, genomics, geophysics, geochronology, palaeoanthropology, palaeoecology and symbolic material culture to unearth the holistic scientific story of human origins.
Our multidisciplinary projects span a number of sites across the globe. We’ve also pioneered dating techniques for human remains and artefacts, which has enabled our scientists to further their findings.
A research centre within the Griffith University’s Environmental Futures Research Institute, ARCHE was officially launched in July 2016.
A WINDOW TO THE PAST
The focus of human evolution research has recently shifted from Africa to Australia and Asia. Australia was the final destination of the first great migration of modern humans out of Africa. Prior to reaching our shores, people entered the archipelago world of Southeast Asia. When modern humans reached Australia, more than 50,000 years ago, they found a pristine continent with new challenges for survival. The diverse landscapes and huge swings in the climatic regimes forced humans to adapt through innovation and invention. In turn, they modified the landscape with consequences for the unique Australian fauna and flora. At ARCHE, we provide a scientific narrative of this intertwined evolution of humans and landscapes in Australasia.
Research themes
Our research themes include:
Partnerships
Discover more about our ongoing partnerships and how to collaborate with us.
ARCHE LAUNCH
ARCHE was officially launched on 8 July 2016 with a Symposium on the Challenges and Opportunities for Human Evolution Research in SE Asia and Australasia. Pictured here at the launch is (from left to right) Dr Robert Anderson, Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch, ARCHE Director Professor Rainer Grün, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academic Prof Debra Henly and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ned Pankhurst.