After one-year preparation, the project will integrate multidisciplinary expertise from archaeology, genetics, history and computer science, as well as utilize advanced technologies to scientifically reconstruct the physical characteristics, social structures and cultural interaction patterns of ancient populations along the ancient Silk Road.

Three bespoke vehicles will also join the investigation team. Equipped comprehensively with diverse professional and high-end devices such as sequencers and CT scanners, they are more like mobile labs for molecular archaeology, and can support the team members to carry out timely and efficient on-site research and analysis.