CEPH Associate Director of Outreach and Engagement, Chris Colvin, was interviewed by Rachael English on RTE Radio 1’s News at One about his new paper which examines the physical impacts of the Great Famine on those who survived it.

‘Scarring and Selection in the Great Irish Famine‘, co-authored with Matthias Blum and Eoin McLaughlin, examines the heights of prisoners held in Kilmainham Gaol before, during and after the Famine, demonstrating that survivors were not stunted in height. This is surprising, as one might expect a Famine to do considerable damage to those who live through it, but instead it led to the healthiest survivors outperforming the expected results.

Chris Colvin added: “These findings contribute to debates on the biological consequences of extreme catastrophic risks, demonstrating how selection effects can obscure long-term health deterioration.”

To listen to the interview, click here and fast-forward to 31:00.