Geoff Smith

Geoff Smith is a Senior Researcher in Zooarchaeology at the University of Reading and a lead collaborator on the ERC/UKRI-funded COEXIST project. His research focuses on human subsistence behavior, dietary changes, and biomolecular methods in Paleolithic archaeology. He holds a PhD from University College London and has held postdoctoral positions at institutions including the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

• Education: BSc Archaeology (University of London), MSc Palaeoecology of Human Societies (University of London), PhD Palaeolithic Zooarchaeology (University College London)
• Research Interests: Zooarchaeology, biomolecular methods (ZooMS, ancient DNA), Neanderthal-Homo sapiens interactions, Pleistocene subsistence strategies

His work integrates zooarchaeology with cutting-edge techniques like ZooMS and stable isotope analysis to reconstruct ancient diets and migration patterns. Recent projects include studying the earliest Homo sapiens in Central Europe and Neanderthal subsistence practices at sites like Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria). He has co-supervised PhD students and contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations.

Publications highlight advancements in Paleolithic archaeology, including the dispersal of Homo sapiens into Europe and the dietary adaptations of early humans. His research bridges traditional archaeology with biomolecular and isotope-based approaches.