Established by the Blavatnik Family Foundation in 2007 and administered by The New York Academy of Sciences, the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists have been awarded to UK scientists aged 42 or younger since 2017. They recognise scientific advances by early-career researchers across Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering.

Pontus has been recognised in the life sciences category for his advancements in the field of ancient DNA.

In 2018, he founded the first high-throughput ancient DNA laboratory in the UK at the Crick, transforming the speed and quality of genetic analysis of ancient remains.

By developing computational tools to reconstruct human genetic histories in Europe and Egypt alongside bacterial evolution, Pontus has made headway in revealing hidden migration patterns, understanding how societies have co-evolved with pathogens, and drawing out new genetic insights from early civilisations. His work strives to deepen our understanding of human history and biology.

Pontus said: 

I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Blavatnik Family Foundation. The award reflects the collective efforts of my research group and collaborators, and it is exciting to see our work on human genetic history and disease evolution highlighted on such a significant stage.