Elizabeth Craig-Atkins

Professor Elizabeth Craig-Atkins holds the position of Professor in Human Osteology and School Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield's School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities. Her expertise spans human osteology, paleopathology, and multidisciplinary approaches to past populations. She has conducted extensive research on medieval funerary practices, childhood archaeology, and the social implications of disease and disability in historical contexts.

Education: BA (Hons) Archaeology (Durham University), MSc Human Osteology and Palaeopathology (University of Bradford), PhD in early medieval burial practices (University of Sheffield).

Research focuses include early medieval to post-medieval funerary rites, the archaeology of childhood, and the Norman Conquest's impact on diet and social structures. Notable projects include the Rothwell Charnel Chapel Project, the Viking Great Army analysis, and the interdisciplinary 'Material Body' study funded by the British Academy.

Her work integrates isotopic analysis, 3D visualization, and historical records to explore themes like infant mortality, maternal health, and urbanization. She leads the Roots and Futures community heritage project in Sheffield, collaborating with over 25 local partners. Her research has been supported by grants from the British Academy, AHRC, and others.