Bryan Clifford Sykes was a British geneticist and science writer, recognized as one of the leading authorities in the study of ancient DNA. Born on 9 September 1947 and departing on 10 December 2020, Sykes held the position of Fellow at Wolfson College and was an Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Oxford.

Sykes made a monumental contribution to genetic science with his publication of the first report on retrieving DNA from ancient bone in 1989. He was prominently involved in significant cases involving ancient DNA, including the investigation of Ötzi the Iceman. He is also known for claiming that a US accountant, Tom Robinson, was a direct descendant of Genghis Khan, though this assertion was later disproved.

Outside academic circles, Sykes gained popularity through his books which delve into human history and prehistory via mitochondrial DNA studies. Among these works, the national bestseller 'The Seven Daughters of Eve' stands out for its impact on public understanding of genetics.