In the context of the project “Human diversity along the Magalhães circum-navigation space: genetics, history and culture”, i3S will host the exhibit: A Journey Through Human Genetic Diversity.

This exhibit recaps the voyage of Fernão de Magalhães and Juan Sebastián Elcano, from the perspective of the peoples’ genetics, population diversity and genetic heritage. The first circumnavigation, between 1519 and 1522, captained by Magalhães and completed by Elcano, was not only the first expedition around the world, but it also granted access to a large diversity of lands, peoples and cultures. Taking this journey as a starting point, we attempt to observe human genetic diversity, in both space and time, in light of today’s scientific knowledge. 

The exhibit also explores the interaction between genetics and identity and between genomics and social practices. Given the complexity of our societies, some social practices can influence the shaping of our physical and social identities.

Through visual artistic expression and after doing ancestry tests, a group of artists explored the self-perception of identity based on all the narratives that defined them until then.

The exhibit A Journey Through Human Genetic Diversity will be displayed at i3S between January 16th and April 30, 2024, Monday through Sunday (10 am – 8 pm). Attendance is free of charge.