Meriel McClatchie

Meriel McClatchie is Associate Professor of Archaeology at University College Dublin, Deputy Director of the UCD Earth Institute, and Director of the Archaeobotany Laboratory. She holds a PhD from University College London and leads the Ancient Foods Research Group.

Research focuses on prehistoric to early modern food systems, sustainable agriculture, and landscape archaeology. McClatchie employs archaeobotany to study crop diversity, food security, and human-environment interactions across European history. Current projects include CROPREVIVE (underutilized crops) and FOODSEC (Bronze Age food systems).

Publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches integrating archaeology, history, and plant sciences. Recent works emphasize agricultural sustainability, food heritage, and climate resilience through historical case studies.

Leadership Roles:

• Deputy Director, UCD Earth Institute
• Director, UCD Archaeobotany Laboratory
• Founder, Ancient Foods Research Group
• Council Member, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland