Helen Farr

Helen Farr is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, specializing in maritime archaeology with a focus on submerged paleolandscapes and early seafaring. She co-leads the Maritime Archaeology Programme and holds roles at UNESCO UNITWIN and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.

Education: PhD (Cambridge University, Neolithic Mediterranean obsidian circulation), postdoctoral research at Cambridge, and a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship at Southampton (2009-2012).

Research emphasizes seafaring origins in Sahul, using seismic data and marine cores to reconstruct ancient coastlines. Current projects include the ERC-funded ACROSS initiative examining early human dispersal between Sunda and Sahul.

Teaching includes master's courses on maritime archaeology and undergraduate modules on obsidian analysis, underwater heritage, and field survey techniques. Active in STEM outreach and media engagement, including work on the Black Sea MAP project.

Awards include the ERC Horizon 2020 Grant (2018-2023) and Leverhulme Fellowship. Serves on editorial boards and professional organizations, including the Society of Antiquaries of London.