The joint ancient DNA team of METU and Hacettepe University had a lab retreat in Datça on 13-18 September 2021, with the participation of Anders Götherström from Stockholm University and Emrah Kırdök from Mersin University, to evaluate the intermediate results of NEOGENE. Our thanks go to the staff of the Municipality of Datça, Tunç Pansiyon and Baba Lokantası for making our stay and meetings possible!