Nicky Milner

Professor Nicky Milner is Head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. She specializes in the Mesolithic period, particularly focusing on the Star Carr site, shell middens, and human-environment interactions. Her roles include leadership in departmental management, university governance, and national/international archaeological committees. She holds fellowships from the Society of Antiquaries (London and Scotland) and the British Academy.

Education: BA in Archaeology from Nottingham University (1995), PhD from the University of Cambridge (1998). Career milestones include Sir James Knott Fellowship at Newcastle University, and progression from Lecturer to Professor at York (2012). Research interests span palaeodiet, settlement patterns, and burial practices in the Mesolithic, with interdisciplinary projects involving over 20 specialists.

Key projects include the 15-year Star Carr excavation, the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity, and the EU SEACHANGE initiative. Public engagement includes TV/radio appearances (BBC, Smithsonian Channel) and museum collaborations. Awards include recognition for research supervision, archaeological innovation, and publications.

Teaching focuses on Mesolithic themes and research skills, while her leadership roles extend to University Council/Senate and steering committees for arts and humanities research.