We all hear a lot about racial groups and how people belonging to distinct races differ from each other, for example, in terms of intellectual abilities, criminal or sexual behavior. We also often accept stereotypes, and assume racial differences have genetic origin. Recent events in North America and Europe also brought the question of racism to the front page. These are highly sensitive issues, problems that are difficult to talk about, but ones we all have to face not just in theory but perhaps often directly in our everyday life. What does science tells us about racial differences? How do we define racial groups? And do they really differ from each other? Why racism is so prevalent in our society, and where does it come from? Dr. Gerlai will explore these questions from evolutionary biology and genetics viewpoints. He will review the evolution of our species, the genetic bottleneck we have faced and the genetic differences among us, and will discuss how even well established scientists may have, on occasion, misinterpreted scientific data and misled the public in the name of academic freedom.