Birgit Maixner

Birgit Maixner is an Associate Professor and curator at the Department of Archaeology and Cultural History, NTNU University Museum. She specializes in Iron Age and Viking Age archaeology, focusing on decorated metalwork, glass beads, and maritime cultural landscapes. She currently leads the NIDARK project revitalizing medieval archaeological records from Nidaros.

Education:

• PhD in Archaeology (Kiel University, 2003)
• M.A. in Archaeology, History, and European Ethnology (Kiel University, 2000)
• Advanced training in leadership and pedagogy (NTNU, 2016–2019)

Research Interests:

• Decorated metalwork and glass beads as indicators of cultural exchange
• Iron Age trade networks and production sites
• Maritime place names and coastal settlement patterns
• Fortifications and landscape archaeology

Key Achievements:

• Curated major exhibitions like En sølvskatt fra vikingtiden (2023) and Himmelens glans (2018)
• Recipient of the David Whitehouse Research Residency (2024)
• Organized international workshops on fortifications and Viking Age trade

Professional Roles:

• Coordinator of the NTNU University Museum’s cultural history collections (2016–present)
• Member of the Iron Age to Historical Archaeology (IAHA) Research Group