Peter de Knijff is professor of population and evolutionary genetics at the department of human genetics of the LUMC. There, he is also, since 1994, head of the forensic laboratory for DNA research (FLDO).

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Peter de Knijff is professor of population and evolutionary genetics at the department of human genetics of the LUMC. There, he is also, since 1994, head of the forensic laboratory for DNA research (FLDO).

Population and evolutionary genetics

As population geneticist, one studies the complex interaction between migration and evolution and the consequences thereof. The specific research context strongly influences exactly what one is studying. In an archaeological context one could use population genetic research results, obtained from skeletal remains, to study migration and demographic processes within a specific geographical area or within a specific period of time. In a forensic genetic context, population genetic research results are crucial for a proper use and understanding of forensic statistical calculations and their interpretation. Within the clinical context, population genetic knowledge is crucial for understanding the role genetic variation and its influence on, e.g. the efficacy of various drugs.

Academic career

The research of Peter de Knijff is not only fundamental population genetics, it is also targeted at developing new forensic genetic diagnostic research tools. He was, with two German colleagues, responsible for the introduction and widespread use of polymorphic Y-chromosome loci in forensics. More recently, he pioneered in the forensic use of massively parallel sequencing. He started, as research technician, his scientific career at Leiden University in January 1980. There he obtained his PhD on June 4, 1992. He was appointed as full professor in 2005. His inaugural lecture was spoken on June 23 2006 and was titled "Crying with the wolves”.