Joe Dortch

Joe Dortch is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the School of Social Sciences, Archaeology Department of The University of Western Australia. He holds roles including Vice-President of the Australian Archaeological Association and has served as its President (2021-2023). His work integrates academic research with applied heritage management, focusing on Aboriginal responses to environmental changes and cultural heritage protection.

• Education:
  • PhD in Archaeology, University of Western Australia (2001)
  • BA (Honours) in Archaeology, University of Southampton (1991)
• Key Roles:
  • Cultural Heritage Advisor, Rio Tinto
  • Research Manager for the Murujuga ARC Linkage Project
  • Director of Eureka Archaeological Research & Consulting

His research interests span Aboriginal land management, environmental archaeology, zooarchaeology, and ancient DNA analysis. He advocates for stronger heritage protections and has advised over 200 projects for Aboriginal organizations, industries, and governments. Teaching includes courses on archaeological methods and environmental-social science intersections.

Recent projects include analyzing ancient DNA from cave sediments, studying Noongar landscape management, and investigating grinding stones in the Pilbara. He has secured grants from the Australian Research Council and other institutions, focusing on topics like megafauna taphonomy and peatland ecosystems.

Notable contributions include collaborations on genetic diversity studies of endangered species and excavations in Murujuga. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and cultural preservation.