Find Academic Supervisors

Alissa MittnikView profile

Researcher

• Archaeogenetics
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Social Systems Reconstruction
• +3 more

Alissa Mittnik is a Group Leader at the Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. She leads the 'MySocialBeIng' group, focusing on integrating archaeoscience to reconstruct social systems like kinship, gender roles, and mobility patterns in ancient societies. Her work bridges genetics, archaeology, and cultural studies to understand prehistoric populations. Education: PhD in 2016: University of Tübingen (Investigating Social Dynamics via Ancient DNA) Studies in Biology at Washington University (USA), University of Rostock, and University of Tübingen Research Interests: Genetic correlates of cultural transitions and social hierarchies Mobility in the ancient Mediterranean Archaeogenetic analysis of prehistoric populations Applications of ancient DNA to reconstruct migration and kinship networks Key Projects: Co-led the 'Times of Upheaval' project (2016-2018) on Bronze Age societal changes Published extensively on European, Mediterranean, and African prehistoric populations Lab/Team: Her group combines genomic, isotopic, and archaeological data to address questions about human migration, social organization, and cultural evolution.

• Archaeology of the Mongol Empire
• Inner Asian Steppe Empires
• Cultural Entanglements
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Jan H. Bemmann is a Professor for Prehistory and Early Historical Archaeology at the University of Bonn, leading the Department for Prehistory and Early Historical Archaeology. He serves as Principal Investigator at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, spearheading major projects such as the Mongolian-German Karakorum Expedition since 2005 and the €10 million 'Limes und Legion' project (2022–2039). His research focuses on the Mongol Empire (1206–1368), analyzing how the empire leveraged specialists from conquered regions to sustain its political and economic dominance. He has supervised 10 completed and 19 ongoing doctoral dissertations, along with numerous master's theses. Education: Habilitation in Pre- and Early Historical Archaeology, University of Jena (2000) Ph.D. in Pre- and Early Historical Archaeology, University of Kiel (1989) M.A. in Pre- and Early Historical Archaeology, Medieval History, and Soil Science (Universities of Kiel, Saarbrücken, and Munich, 1981–1989) Research Interests: Jan Bemmann examines the Mongol Empire’s strategies of relocating experts, artisans, and engineers across Inner Asia, comparing these practices with earlier steppe empires. His work spans urbanization in non-urban societies, bioarchaeological studies, and the analysis of cultural landscapes in Mongolia and Eurasia. Key themes include imperial governance, economic entanglements, and the interplay between nomadic and sedentary societies. Notable Achievements: Recipient of Mongolia’s highest honor, the Order of the Polar Star (2023) Member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2019/2020) Recipient of the Khubilai Khan Medal (2012) and Honorary Doctorate from the Mongolian Academy of Science (2010) Grants and Collaborations: Speaker of DFG Research Unit FOR-5438 (since 2023) Principal Investigator for the Volkswagen Foundation-funded Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences (BoCAS) Lead over €6 million in third-party funding from DFG, BMBF, and private foundations Labs/Teams: Coordinates international collaborations through projects like the Mongolian-German Karakorum Expedition and the Franco-German Graduate School 'Mass und Integration in Ancient Societies.'

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Neolithic Anatolia and Europe
• Scientific Archaeology
• +8 more

Dr. Eva Rosenstock is a Lecturer and Coordinator at the Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences, part of the Institute for Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. She has held significant academic roles including Assistant Professor in the Emmy-Noether Research Group 'LiVES' at Freie Universität Berlin, and Research Associate positions at Freie Universität Berlin and Universität Freiburg. Her work bridges prehistoric archaeology, bioarchaeology, and scientific modeling, with a geographic focus on Neolithic Anatolia and Europe. Her research interests include: Prehistoric and Neolithic archaeology in Southwest Asia and Europe Economic and technoarchaeology Human biological standards and stature in prehistory Dairy and fermented food technologies Chronological modeling and spatio-temporal analysis Archaeological theory and scientific approaches to archaeology Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and statistical modeling. She frequently publishes in top journals such as Nature Human Behaviour , PNAS , and Antiquity , focusing on topics like economic inequality, animal traction, human stature evolution, and Neolithic dietary practices. Her work often involves large collaborative teams and digital methodologies. Scientific awards and grants include: DFG Emmy-Noether Program (2011–2019) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation TransCoop Program (2009–2013) German Academic Scholarship Foundation PhD grant Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen PhD Award Bayerische Hochbegabtenförderung study grant Eva Rosenstock has supervised and collaborated with numerous researchers and students through her leadership of the LiVES project and participation in international excavations such as Çatalhöyük. She has received significant grant funding from the DFG and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She organizes academic sessions, serves on advisory boards (e.g., German Archaeological Institute), and contributes to public science outreach through media appearances and popular articles. She is actively involved in professional service, including roles in the Gesellschaft für Anthropologie and Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie. She is affiliated with research groups and labs such as: Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences Emmy-Noether Research Group 'LiVES' (Lebensbedingungen und biologischer Lebensstandard in der Vorgeschichte) Çatalhöyük Research Project (West Mound excavations) Einstein Center Chronoi (former fellow)

Philipp StockhammerView profile

Professor

• Prehistory
• Bioarchaeology
• Ancient DNA
• +4 more

Philipp Stockhammer is a Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU) since 2016. He also serves as Co-Director of the Max-Planck-Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. PhD (summa cum laude) in Prehistory, Heidelberg University (2003-2008) MA in Prehistory, Classical Archaeology, and Old History, University of Tübingen (1999-2003) BA in Prehistory, Classical Archaeology, and Old History, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1997-1999) His research focuses on prehistoric and bioarchaeological studies, particularly integrating ancient DNA analysis with archaeological approaches. He has contributed to understanding the Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions through interdisciplinary methodologies. Scientific awards include two European Research Council (ERC) grants (Starting in 2015 and Consolidator in 2020), fellowships in Australia, Brazil, and Germany, and prestigious memberships such as the German Archaeological Institute.

Florian CousseauView profile

Researcher

• European Prehistory
• Megalithism
• Building Archaeology
• +3 more

Dr. Florian Cousseau is an external collaborator and archaeologist specializing in recent European prehistory, megalithism, and the archaeology of built structures. He focuses on Neolithic megalithic architecture in Western France and the Levant, employing 3D tools and building archaeology methodologies. His work includes directing studies on Breton megalithic tumuli and collaborating on projects like the Mengez necropolis in Lebanon and Neolithic monumentalism in the Loire-Charente region. His research has been funded by French and international institutions. Education: PhD in Archaeology (2011–2016, University of Rennes 1), Master's in Archaeology and Archaeosciences (2009–2011, University of Rennes), Erasmus at Durham University (2010), and a Bachelor's in Art History and Archaeology (2006–2009, University of Nantes). His doctoral thesis, Archéologie du bâti mégalithique dans l'Ouest de la France , won the 2018 UISPP thesis prize. Research interests emphasize methodological innovation in prehistoric architecture, megalithic construction techniques, and the socio-cultural roles of monuments. Current projects explore the emergence of megalithism in Switzerland and neighboring regions, as well as the preservation of endangered sites like Mengez. Public outreach includes a Facebook page, archaeological site documentation (e.g., Guennoc Island), and media contributions (e.g., Futuremag Arte’s 2015 feature on virtual reality archaeology). His work bridges technical innovation and cultural heritage preservation, with a focus on transnational comparisons.

• Archaeology
• Paleogenetics
• Bioarchaeology
• +3 more

Cătălin Lazăr is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of History , University of Bucharest, and a researcher coordinating the ArchaeoSciences section at the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB). His work focuses on the origins of human civilization in Southeastern Europe, particularly the Neolithic period (6300–3900 BC), integrating archaeological data with advanced methodologies like paleogenetics, bioarchaeology, and geoarchaeology. Coordinates Sultana and Gumelnița archaeological sites since 2001 Member of national and international research teams Recipient of three research project grants since 2016 Active in professional associations: European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), Society for Archaeological Sciences (SAS), AAAS, and Romanian Association of Archaeology (ARA) His research explores radical societal transformations in Southeastern Europe during the Neolithic, including subsistence practices, trade, mobility, and spiritual life. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, such as stable isotope analysis, radiogenic isotopes, and residual studies, to reconstruct historical narratives. Scientific Awards: University of Bucharest Senate Award (2018)

• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Human Population Genomics
• Archaeogenetics
• +3 more

Michal Feldman is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Archaeo- and Paleogenetics Group at the Institute for Archaeological Sciences, Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP), University of Tübingen. She previously held a postdoctoral position at the Max Planck - Harvard Research Center for Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean and completed her PhD at Friedrich Schiller University Jena with the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. Education: PhD in Genetics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2019) MSc in Medical Sciences, Tel-Aviv University (2013) BSc in Pharmacy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2009) Her research focuses on reconstructing human population dynamics and disease evolution through genomic analysis of archaeological remains, with specific emphasis on Mesolithic to Iron Age populations in the Near East and early Pacific islanders. She has published extensively on topics including plague evolution, agricultural origins, and tumor suppressor genes in historical populations. Scientific awards: None listed. Her publications demonstrate expertise in: Yersinia pestis genomic evolution Neolithic transition studies Ancient cancer genetics Population mobility analysis Polynesian Outlier community health Transcontinental genetic admixture

Christina WarinnerView profile

Professor

• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Human Microbiome Evolution
• Archaeogenetics
• +5 more

Christina Warinner is a Professor of Anthropology and Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, focusing on ancient biomolecules to study human diet, health, and microbiome evolution. She leads international research teams at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the Leibniz Institute in Germany, and chairs the Max Planck-Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean. Her work integrates archaeology, genetics, and microbiology to explore topics like prehistoric migrations, dairy pastoralism origins, and ancient oral microbiome ecology. She has been recognized with prestigious awards including the AAA Exemplary Cross-Fields Award and the Shanghai Archaeological Forum Research Award. Her research includes groundbreaking studies on the oldest Neanderthal microbiome and the biodiversity of the human gut microbiome. She actively engages in public outreach through initiatives like the Adventures in Archaeological Science coloring book, which has been translated into over 60 languages. Warinner advocates for open science, data sharing, and improving scholarly communication, while leading projects such as the Dairy Cultures museum exhibit and the Heirloom Microbes study tracing food fermentation microbes. Her recent projects include investigating high-altitude human adaptation in the Himalayas, reconstructing trade networks via ancient biomolecules, and studying the evolution of dairy microbes. She serves on leadership boards for institutions like the International Society for Biomolecular Archaeology (ISBA) and the American Center for Mongolian Studies. Research Interests: Ancient DNA, Paleogenomics, Microbial Ecology, Prehistoric Migrations, Dairy Pastoralism, Archaeological Science Communication Key Collaborations: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, American School for Prehistoric Research Outreach: Coloring book project, museum exhibits, TED Talks (2M+ views), educational partnerships worldwide

Harald RingbauerView profile

Researcher

• Population Genetics
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Computational Biology
• +4 more

Harald Ringbauer is a population geneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. As Group Leader of the Haplo Group within the Department of Archaeogenetics , he specializes in developing computational methods to analyze ancient DNA (aDNA) for demographic and social history reconstruction. Focus areas: IBD segment detection , population size estimation, mobility patterns Collaborates with MHAAM (Max Planck – Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean) His research spans both empirical analysis of ancient genomes and computational method development. Key projects include: Applying haplotype-based methods to low-quality aDNA Reconstructing demographic parameters through shared DNA segments Studying Neolithic transitions in the Mediterranean and Europe Recent publications focus on Neolithic social structures , Indo-European origins , and IBD segment applications in prehistoric contexts. His group includes PhD researchers from the University of Leipzig , LMU Munich , and Harvard University .

John MulhallView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mediterranean History
• Medieval History
• History of Science
• +3 more

John Mulhall is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts. His research focuses on Mediterranean and Medieval History, the History of Science and Medicine, and the intersection of science and religion in Latin, Greek, and Arabic traditions. He explores the movement and transformation of knowledge across Islamicate, Byzantine, and Latin Christian worlds. Ph.D. in Byzantine History, Harvard University M.St. in Ancient History, Oxford (Lionel Pearson Fellowship) B.A. in Ancient Greek, College of William and Mary Mulhall’s work bridges textual analysis with advancements in microbiology, genetics, and archaeoscience, particularly in studying disease and medicine in late antiquity and the Middle Ages. His first book, The Republic of Translators , examines 12th-century translation activity as a model for Mediterranean knowledge exchange. His recent articles analyze medical responses to the Justinianic Plague and pre-6th-century evidence of bubonic plague in Greek texts. Collaborative projects include the Max Planck-Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean (MHAAM) and founding the Climate Change and History Research Initiative (CCHRI) in 2013. Rome Prize Fellowship, American Academy in Rome (2025–2026) Andrew W. Mellon Junior Faculty Fellow, Notre Dame’s Medieval Institute William R. Tyler Fellow, Dumbarton Oaks Mulhall integrates interdisciplinary methodologies, working with scholars in climatology, DNA analysis, and archaeology to study historical pandemics. His work challenges traditional narratives about the impact of the Justinianic Plague and emphasizes the complexity of disease history.

Alice Micaela TosoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioarchaeology
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• Human-Environment Interaction
• +5 more

Alice Micaela Toso is a Junior Professor for Bioarchaeology at the Bonn Centre for ArchaeoSciences (BoCAS) of the University of Bonn . Her research focuses on social inequalities and identity in historical societies, human-environment interactions, and biomolecular techniques in archaeology. She leads Subproject 6 within the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5438 and collaborates with institutions like the University of Coimbra, University of Bucharest, and Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery. PhD in Archaeology (2019), University of York MSc in Paleopathology (2013), University of Durham BSc in Cultural Heritage and Archaeology (2011), University of Bologna Her research spans from childhood studies in medieval Portugal to urbanism in the Mongolian Empire, transatlantic mobility in the Portuguese context, and identity formation in medieval Transylvania. She employs stable isotopes, ZooMS, dental calculus proteomics, and biomolecular methods to reconstruct lifeways, diets, and health patterns. Recent publications emphasize Bayesian isotopic approaches, multidisciplinary methodologies, and interdisciplinary critiques of science-archaeology integration. Her work has been funded by the DFG, University of Bonn, and municipal collaborators in Portugal. 2024 TRA2 Research Prize 2021 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship 2020 Marc Ormrod Prize She has organized sessions at the European Association of Archaeologists annual conferences and actively engages in public science communication, including exhibitions and lecture series.

• Bioarchaeology
• Stable Isotope Analysis
• Human-Environment Interaction
• +4 more

Prof. Alice Toso is a Junior Professor in Bioarchaeology at the University of Bonn's Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences (BoCAS) and the Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology. Her work explores social inequalities, identity formation, and human-environment interactions through biomolecular and bioarchaeological methods. She specializes in childhood studies, urbanization in the Mongol Empire, transatlantic mobility, and Saxon heritage in Romania. Educated at the University of Bologna (BSc, cum laude), Durham University (MSc), and the University of York (PhD), she has held postdoctoral roles at institutions in Spain and the UK. Her research is supported by grants including DFG FOR 5438 (Mongol Empire lifeways) and a Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowship (transatlantic diet studies). Key research themes include: (1) Childhood diets in medieval Portugal and Brazil via stable isotopes, (2) Urbanization dynamics in 13th-century Mongol cities, and (3) Medieval Transylvania ethnic identity through biomolecular analysis. She recently co-organized a session at the European Association of Archaeologists conference (2023) on Romanian migrations. Notable awards include the Marie Skłodowska Curie Individual Fellowship (2018–2021). Her lab collaborations include the University of Coimbra (Portugal), University of Bucharest (Romania), and the University of Barcelona. Current projects aim to bridge archaeological data with modern conservation challenges in the Neotropics.

Pablo CarrionView profile

Researcher

• Archaeogenetics
• Biomedicine
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Pablo Carrion is a Postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, affiliated with the Department of Archaeogenetics. He is part of the Max Planck–Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean. His research focuses on integrating genomic data with archaeological insights to study human history and biological evolution. Education: PhD in Biomedicine (2020-2024), Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona MSc in Bioinformatics (2019-2020), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology & Genetics (2017-2018), Universitat de València BA in Biology (2013-2017), Universitat de València His research interests span archaeogenetics, ancient DNA analysis, and the application of computational methods to study human migration, adaptation, and cultural evolution. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to decode genetic data from ancient populations, linking genomic findings to archaeological contexts. Grants & Collaborations: Active in the Max Planck–Harvard joint research initiative, focusing on archaeoscience methodologies for Mediterranean studies. No awards explicitly listed, but his postdoctoral position reflects competitive research standing. Labs/Teams: Embedded in the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute, a global leader in paleogenomics. Engaged with the Max Planck–Harvard Archaeoscience Center, combining genomic and archaeological approaches.

Stockhammer PhilippView profile

Professor

• Prehistory
• Europe
• Bioarchaeology
• +4 more

Philipp Stockhammer is a Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) since 2016. He co-directs the Max-Planck-Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean, affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. His academic career includes roles as Privatdozent at the University of Basel (2013-2016) and post-doctoral researcher at Heidelberg University (2008-2016). Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from Heidelberg University (2003-2008), MA and BA in Prehistory, Classical Archaeology, and Old History from Tübingen and Erlangen-Nuremberg Universities His research focuses on prehistoric archaeology, bioarchaeology, and ancient DNA, spanning Europe, the Near East, and the Mediterranean. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to study the ancient Mediterranean world through archaeoscience. Honors include multiple ERC grants (2015, 2020), the Dyason Fellowship (2017), and memberships in prestigious institutions like the German Archaeological Institute. He also held visiting positions in Australia, Brazil, and Germany.

• Bioarchaeology
• Paleopathology
• Life-course transitions
• +5 more

Alessia Bareggi is a Doctoral Researcher and Research Associate at the Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, University of Bonn, Germany. She is affiliated with the Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences (BoCAS) and the Department of Prehistoric and Early History Archaeology. Her work focuses on bioarchaeological and paleopathological analysis of human remains from ancient European contexts, particularly the Roman and pre-Roman periods. Education: Doctoral Student, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (2023–present) M.A. in Archaeology, University of Pisa (2017–2020) B.A. in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, University of Genoa (2014–2017) Her research centers on life-course transitions, fertility, reproductive patterns, and the biological estimation of puberty stages in past populations. She employs osteological and paleopathological methods to understand adolescent development and health in ancient societies, especially among Etruscan-Samnite and Roman communities. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeology, biological anthropology, and medical science. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on skeletal indicators of puberty, endocranial pathologies, and Roman burial practices. The articles span bioarchaeological methodology, paleopathology, and archaeological interpretation, with geographic emphasis on Italy and the German Limes. Key trends include the development of new osteological standards and the analysis of child and adolescent remains. Scientific Contributions: Active contributor to the project 'Limes and Legion' at the Roman legionary camp in Bonn Research Associate, Division of Paleopathology, University of Pisa (2022–2023) She has advised no students to date and has not received publicized awards. Her research is conducted within the Bonn Center for ArchaeoSciences (BoCAS), a leading interdisciplinary hub for archaeological science, where she collaborates on the bioarchaeological analysis of human remains from the Irmintrudisstraße necropolis at the Roman military site in Bonn.