Paul Widmer contributed to research on genetic signatures of the medieval Walser-migration from their homeland in Upper Valais
Walser communities that are geographically or topographically remote from the homeland and from other communities showed higher genetic differentiation, likely as a consequence of genetic drift. The genetic similarity among the other communities might be explained by the relatively short divergence time, coupled with cultural and economic exchange among the Walser and Walser-homeland communities.
Peter Resutik, Joëlle Schneider, Simon Aeschbacher, Magnus Dehli Vigeland, Mario Gysi, Corinne Moser, Chiara Barbieri, Paul Widmer, Mathias Currat, Adelgunde Kratzer, Michael Krützen, Cordula Haas, Natasha Arora. 2025. Uncovering genetic signatures of the Walser migration in the Alps: Patterns of diversity and differentiation. Forensic Science International: Genetics, Volume 76, 2025, 103206, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103206.