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PD Dr. Reinhard Jung is an Associate Professor and Group Leader of the research group 'Mediterranean Economies' at the Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology (OREA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. His work focuses on prehistoric archaeology in the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe, with a specialization in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. He leads excavations and interdisciplinary research projects such as those at Punta di Zambrone (Italy) and Ayios Vasileios (Greece). Key research interests include Mycenaean Greece, Aegean-Italian cultural and economic interactions, chronology systems, and the application of archaeometric methods. He has published extensively on topics such as Mycenaean pottery production, Bronze Age trade networks, and the collapse of Mediterranean palatial systems. Recent research highlights include organic residue analysis at Ayios Vasileios, interdisciplinary studies on Punta di Zambrone's role as a harbor site, and investigations into the absolute chronology of Mediterranean Bronze Age events. His work bridges archaeology with natural sciences, emphasizing collaborative, data-driven approaches to understanding ancient societies. He has edited volumes on Mediterranean economies, Mycenaean palace destructions, and Bronze Age transformations, reflecting his role in shaping scholarly discourse. His contributions span excavations, publications, and leadership in international collaborative projects, making him a leading figure in Aegean and Mediterranean prehistory.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Bronze Age Studies
• +5 more

Sophie Krausz is a Professor of European Protohistory at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, School of Art History and Archaeology of the Sorbonne, specializing in Iron Age archaeology and Gallic societies. Previously, she served as a Lecturer at Bordeaux Montaigne University (2005–2021) and Director of Éditions Ausonius (2018–2021). Her academic journey includes a PhD (1992) and Habilitation (2014) from Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne. Her research focuses on fortifications, state emergence, and political systems in prehistoric and protohistoric Europe, with fieldwork spanning 91 excavations since 1986. Notable projects include Châteaumeillant, Vix, and Mont Beuvray. She leads the CNRS International Research Network NEMESIS, studying European Iron Age societies. Key contributions include over 70 published books and 121 invited lectures. Awards include the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2014) and Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite (2017). She oversees archaeological sites, integrates paleoenvironmental studies, and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like the GENETIX genetic study of Iron Age populations.

• Large-scale field archaeological projects
• Fortifications
• Continental Europe
• +8 more

Univ.-Prof. Katharina Rebay-Salisbury is a prehistoric archaeologist specializing in European Bronze and Iron Ages, particularly focusing on the human body, social identities, and gender archaeology. She leads the Research Group 'Prehistoric Identities' at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAI) and holds a professorship in Prehistory of Humanity at the University of Vienna. Her work bridges archaeology with bioarchaeology, genetics, and proteomics. After earning her PhD from the University of Vienna (2005), she conducted postdoctoral research at Cambridge and Leicester, exploring cremation practices and Iron Age networks. She received the ERC Starting Grant (2015) for studying societal responses to motherhood and childbirth. Key projects include analyses of cremated remains, mobility patterns, and kinship structures in prehistoric communities. Education: PhD (2005, University of Vienna), Habilitation (2017, University of Vienna). Research interests include bioarchaeology, maternal status, and interdisciplinary methods. She is a member of the Young Academy of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (since 2016) and has published extensively on prehistoric burial practices, gender roles, and archaeological theory. Her research integrates osteological analysis, isotopic studies, and ancient DNA to reconstruct social dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on Bronze Age maternal health, mobility inferred from cremation burials, and leadership roles in Iberian megalithic societies. She chairs the ERC-funded project 'The Value of Mothers to Society' and collaborates internationally on bioarchaeological projects. Grants and awards include the ERC Starting Grant and multiple fellowships. Her team addresses questions of social inequality, kinship, and human-environment interactions in prehistory.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• European Bronze and Iron Ages
• Archaeology of the Human Body
• +5 more

Mathias Mehofer serves as a Lecturer at the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science (VIAS), University of Vienna, specializing in archaeometallurgical research and teaching. His institutional affiliation is clearly established through his university email domain and published teaching assignments within the archaeology department. His research focuses on Archaeometallurgy and Bronze Age metal production , with particular emphasis on copper exchange networks across Europe and the Mediterranean. His work integrates experimental archaeology with advanced material analysis techniques including lead isotope studies and metallography. Key regional interests span the Balkans, Anatolia, Cyprus, and Alpine regions, examining metallurgical transitions from the Chalcolithic through Iron Age periods. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent methodological approaches combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and experimental replication. His research demonstrates strong specialization in Balkan metallurgical networks , Early Bronze Age Anatolian workshops , and non-destructive analytical techniques for museum artifacts. The publications show increasing focus on supra-regional exchange systems and technological transitions in metal production. Regarding academic supervision and funding, the available materials indicate active teaching responsibilities across multiple graduate-level courses but do not specify student supervision or grant details. His institutional profile suggests integration within VIAS research teams focused on material science applications in archaeology.

• Archaeometallurgy
• Bronze Age Metallurgy
• Experimental Archaeology
• +3 more

Marta Luciani is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Prehistoric and Historical Archaeology , University of Vienna. Her research focuses on the archaeology of Arabia and the Ancient Near East, with particular emphasis on Bronze and Iron Age societies, funerary practices, and oasis urbanization. She leads the Saudi Arabian-Austrian Archaeological Project at Qurayyah, exploring ancient settlements and material culture in northwest Arabia. Teaching includes courses like Thesis Seminar and Introduction into the Archaeology of Western Asia . Her work integrates interdisciplinary methods, such as geochemical analysis and hydroarchaeology, to study ancient technologies and environmental adaptation. Key projects include investigations at Qurayyah, Nuzi, Qatna, and Chemchemal, emphasizing Bronze Age transitions and cultural connectivity. Publications highlight topics like oasis sustainability, palatial architecture, and ritual practices. She participates in international conferences and edited volumes, contributing to discussions on ancient urbanism and material culture. Ongoing research bridges archaeological fieldwork with lab-based analyses to reconstruct past human-environment interactions.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• Near Eastern Archaeology
• +3 more

Prof. Barbara Horejs holds dual roles as Deputy Executive Director of the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) and Scientific Director of the Department of Prehistory & WANA-Archaeology at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). She leads research initiatives such as the 'Prehistoric Anatolia' and 'Madra River Delta' projects, focusing on Neolithic to Bronze Age archaeology across Southeast Europe and West Asia. Her work integrates fieldwork in Turkey, Greece, Iran, UAE, and the Balkans with cutting-edge scientific methods. Education: Studied Prehistory/Protohistory and Classical Archaeology at Universities of Vienna, Athens, and Berlin. Awarded summa cum laude from Freie Universität Berlin (2005). Holds honorary professorships at Universities of Tübingen (2015) and Vienna (2022). Served as Director of OREA (2013-2020) and Board Chair of ÖAW (2019-2021). Research Interests: Neolithisation processes, geoarchaeological surveys, material culture analysis, and interdisciplinary studies on ancient technologies. Excavates sites like Çukuriçi Höyük (Turkey), Svinjarička Čuka (Serbia), and Madra Delta (Turkey). Specializes in tracing long-distance networks through archaeological and genetic analyses. Publications highlight innovations in chert procurement, Bronze Age metallurgy, and gold trade networks. Recent work explores seasonal practices, early agricultural economies, and cross-regional connectivity in the 3rd millennium BC. Her ERC-funded projects bridge European and Anatolian archaeological datasets. Awards: FWF START Prize (2010), ERC Starting Grant (2011) Memberships: German Archaeological Institute (full member since 2020), Austrian Academy of Sciences (corresponding member since 2015) Advises international teams on field methodologies and heritage preservation, including the Puzzle in 4D digital reconstruction project at Tell el-Dabʿa (Egypt). Coordinates the Pusta Reka River investigations and the NEOSOL sediment analysis initiative.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Neolithic Studies
• Bronze Age Archaeology
• +7 more

Haskel Greenfield is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, Department of Anthropology, with a career spanning over 30 years. He is also Co-Director of the Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Lab and Coordinator of the Judaic Studies Program. Education: M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the City University of New York (CUNY) Greenfield specializes in zooarchaeology and the study of Old World ancient societies. His research focuses on the evolution of food-producing societies, metallurgical technology, transhumant pastoralism, and early urban systems in Europe, the Near East, and Africa. Key contributions include isotopic analysis of Bronze Age provisioning systems and domestic livestock secondary products. Recent publications explore butchering technologies in Old Kingdom Egypt, Early Bronze Age domestic gaming practices, and diachronic trends in faunal exploitation. Awards include the Magis Prize for Ingenuity and Innovation and multiple Arts Celebrating Arts Awards recognizing his research excellence. Scientific Awards: Sir Asher Joel Fellowship (2021-present) Magis Prize for Ingenuity and Innovation (2019) University of Manitoba Faculty of Arts Award in Internationalization Teaching (2018) Distinguished Professor appointment (2015) National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2007) Grants and Fellowships: Beaufort Overseas Visiting Scholar at University of Cambridge (2015) Annual Professor Fellowship at Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (2007-2008) Rh Institute Award for Exceptional Research (1991) Over 43 years, Greenfield has supervised dozens of postgraduate students and led international research teams. He co-directs the Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Lab, advancing isotopic analysis methods for studying human and animal mobility in antiquity.

• Evolution of food producing and farming societies
• Evolution of metallurgical technology
• Evolution of early complex and urban societies
• +7 more

Holger Gzella is a Full Professor (tenured) at Leiden University since 2005, holding the Chair of Hebrew and Aramaic. He has held academic positions at University of Heidelberg (Privatdozent, Post-Doctoral Fellow), University of Erlangen (Visiting Professor), and Pontifical Biblical Institute (Doctoral Fellow). Current affiliations include Classics & Oriental Studies at the Academy of Europe. University of Heidelberg (Habilitation, 2004) Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome (Licentiate, 2002) University of Münster (Ph.D., 2001) Oxford University (B.A., 1997) His research focuses on Semitic epigraphy, Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, Historical Linguistics, and the cultural history of Syria-Palestine. Publications analyze Semitic language structures, Northwest Semitic dialects, and ancient Near Eastern textual interpretation. Recent articles address topics in Aramaic linguistics, Biblical Hebrew syntax, Qumran text dating, and Semitic language interactions. Notable works include A Cultural History of Aramaic (2015) and contributions to The Semitic Languages: An International Handbook (2011). Member of The Young Academy (2010-2015) Fritz Thyssen Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2002-2005) Cusanuswerk Scholarship (1999-2001) Oxford University Ireland/Craven Scholarships (1997) Gaisford Prize for Greek Prose Composition (1996) Chancellor's Prizes for Latin Composition (1995, 1997) He has received multiple grants including the Fritz Thyssen Foundation fellowship and Cusanuswerk scholarship, supporting his research in Semitic languages and Biblical studies.

• Semitic epigraphy
• Hebrew Bible
• Hebrew and Aramaic language and literature
• +6 more

Wolfgang Neubauer is an Associate Professor at the University of Vienna and Director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology. He also serves as Vice Director of the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science and heads the Digital Humanities research focus at the university. His interdisciplinary work integrates geophysics, computer science, and archaeology. Education: Habilitation in Prehistoric Archaeology (University of Vienna, 2008) Dr. Phil. in Prehistoric Archaeology (University of Vienna, 2000) Mag. Phil. in Prehistory, Archaeometry, and Mathematics (University of Vienna, 1993) Mathematics and Computer Science studies (Vienna University of Technology) Research Interests: Neubauer specializes in non-invasive archaeological prospection methods, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometry, and 3D laser scanning. His research spans Neolithic circular ditches, Roman urban landscapes (e.g., Carnuntum), Viking sites, and digital reconstruction of cultural heritage. Key themes include landscape archaeology, interdisciplinary methodologies, and virtual heritage preservation. Publication Trends: His recent articles focus on large-scale geophysical surveys, integrated data visualization, and digital documentation of archaeological sites. Common themes include Roman military infrastructure, Neolithic monuments, Viking landscapes, and advanced prospection techniques, with strong emphasis on computational methods and interdisciplinary collaboration. Awards: Fellow, Society of Antiquaries London (2019) Corresponding Member, Austrian Academy of Sciences (2018) Pioneer in Open Innovation in Science (2017) Austrian Scientist of the Year (2015) Austrian Champion in European Research (2008) Grants & Advising: Neubauer has secured over €14M in research funding, including projects from the European Union, Austrian Science Fund (FWF), and Ludwig Boltzmann Society. He advises doctoral candidates as speaker of the PhD College for Archaeological Prospection and has supervised 8 PhD and 7 Master's theses. Major grants include the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project and ArchPro Carnuntum. Labs & Teams: He directs the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, coordinating international teams for projects across 20+ countries. The institute develops cutting-edge prospection technologies and collaborates with institutions like the University of Birmingham and Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage.

• Archaeological Prospection
• Virtual Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• +4 more

Mag. Dr. Franz Jirsa, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (University of Vienna), specializes in environmental chemistry , ecotoxicology , and metal extraction with a focus on ionic liquids, bioaccumulation, and trace elements. He teaches courses like Environmental Chemistry , Ecotoxicology , and Radiochemistry , with recent research on metal nanoparticles, mercury pathways in saline lakes, and bioindication via aquatic organisms. Current research trends include metal extraction using ionic liquids, nitrate removal in saline systems, and trace element bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms Key subfields: Environmental chemistry , Ecotoxicology , Task-specific ionic liquids , Saline lake biogeochemistry , Radiochemistry , Heavy metal pollution He has published extensively on topics ranging from mercury cycling in extreme environments to bioindication using parasites in fish populations.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology
• Metal Extraction
• +5 more

Dr. Kamil Łukasz Nowak is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Archaeology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. He specializes in the archaeometallurgy of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in Central Europe. His work examines copper-alloy provenance, technological reconstruction of bronze casting, and artifact use-wear analysis. Education & Career: He earned his PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology from the University of Wrocław (Poland) in 2021, focusing on Urnfield Period metallurgical organization in the Poland-Germany border region. From 2021–2024, he led a postdoctoral project at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Since January 2025, he has directed the Seal of Excellence-funded project Metallurgy–Technology–Exchange (MeTEx) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Research Focus: His investigations cover: Interregional metal exchange networks Technical analysis of casting workshops Provenance studies of copper sources Functional analysis of metal artifacts Awards: Seal of Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowships @OeAW 2024 (2025–present) Current Project: MeTEx explores shape standardization and economic interconnectivity in Late Bronze Age metal circulation across Central Europe.

• Archaeometallurgy
• Late Bronze Age
• Early Iron Age
• +4 more

Alice Waldner is a Mag. Dr. Researcher and Group Leader of the 'Object Itineraries' research group at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI), part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). She specializes in pottery research and material culture studies of the Hellenistic to Byzantine periods, with a focus on the Eastern Mediterranean. Since 2003, she has been a core member of the Ephesos excavation team, leading ceramic research projects in Ephesus, Miletus, and other sites. Her academic background includes studies in Classical Archaeology and Provincial Roman Archaeology at the Universities of Vienna and Munich. She has held key roles such as Head of the 'Ceramic Studies' Working Group (2017–2020) and currently leads the 'Crossing the Sea' project. She is also the trusted representative for the Ephesos excavation since 2023. Research interests include ceramic typology, cultural connectivity, and socio-economic analysis through material culture. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, such as archaeological surveys and ceramic analysis, to reconstruct ancient lifeways and trade networks. Notable contributions include studies on Ephesus’s urban development, ceramic chronology, and Hellenistic pottery production in Croatia. Publications span over two decades, with a focus on Ephesus’s material culture, Byzantine fine wares, and multi-period analyses of Anatolian sites. She co-edited the volume Manufacturers and Markets (2022), exploring Hellenistic pottery economies. Current projects emphasize transregional connections and archaeological data synthesis.

• Pottery Research
• Material Culture (Hellenistic to Byzantine Periods)
• Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean
• +4 more

Dr. Marlies Außerlechner is a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Innsbruck. With a PhD in Biology specializing in Botany, she focuses on archaeobotanical analyses of prehistoric sites in the Eastern Alps. Her research spans from the Neolithic through the Iron Age, with particular emphasis on burnt offering sites, settlement archaeology, and environmental reconstruction. Education: Federal High School Lienz (1991-1999) Diploma/Bachelor's degree in Biology (1999-2011) Master's degree in Botany, University of Innsbruck (2011-2015). Thesis: 'Paleoethnobotanical analyses of open find complexes from the Neolithic settlement in Barbian (South Tyrol)' PhD in Biology with dissertation in Botany, University of Innsbruck (2016-2021). Dissertation: 'Archaeobotanical Analyses of Bronze Age and Iron Age Burnt Offering sites in the Eastern Alps' Dr. Außerlechner specializes in archaeobotany, paleoethnobotany, and environmental archaeology with expertise in anthracology (wood analysis). Her research examines plant use in ritual contexts, land use patterns, economic practices, and socio-economic structures in prehistoric Alpine societies. She applies statistical analyses and digitization techniques to archaeological plant remains, focusing particularly on the Eastern Alps region from the Neolithic through the Iron Age. Her work often involves microarchaeological approaches to understand household archaeology and settlement patterns. Analysis of Dr. Außerlechner's publications reveals a consistent focus on archaeobotanical investigations of Alpine sites, particularly burnt offering locations and settlement structures. Her research demonstrates expertise in analyzing plant macro-remains and wood charcoal to reconstruct past environments, economic practices, and ritual behaviors. A significant portion of her work centers on the Bronze and Iron Age periods in the Eastern Alps, with increasing attention to lakeshore settlements and metalworking sites in recent years. Her methodological approach combines traditional archaeobotanical analysis with statistical methods and digital documentation. Scientific Awards: 1st place in the competition for young scientists at the 9th Milestone Meeting of the HiMAT research center (2014) Award of the Society of Naturalists and Mathematicians of Modena - SNMM Award, 14th Conference of Environmental Archeology, Modena (2018) Dr. Außerlechner has secured multiple research grants, including funding from the Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck and Tiroler Science Funding (TWF). Her projects include investigations of Bronze and Iron Age land use in alpine valleys, subsistence of Iron Age blacksmiths, and archaeobotanical analyses of various archaeological sites across the Eastern Alps. She collaborates extensively with the HiMAT research center and participates in the 'Lost or Found? Microarchaeology in Rescue Excavations' project. Dr. Außerlechner also contributes to public outreach, including participation in the 'Long Night of Research' at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. She is actively involved in the Microarchaeological Laboratory at the University of Innsbruck, where she conducts detailed analyses of plant remains from various archaeological contexts including the Bronze Age mining site of Prigglitz and rescue excavations across Tyrol and Lower Austria.

• Archaeobotany
• Paleoethnobotany
• Paleoecology
• +12 more

Mario Gavranovic is a researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), serving as Deputy Head of the Department of Prehistory & WANA Archaeology. He leads the long-term project ' Urnfield Culture Networks ' (UCN) and contributes to studies on Bronze and Early Iron Age societies across Central and Southeastern Europe. Research Focus: Chronology, burial rites, resource use, social organization, and public archaeology. Projects: 'Burial: Forming Identities in a Transitional Area', 'Late Bronze Age Metallurgy in the Balkans', 'Visualizing the Unknown Balkans'. Awards: State of Berlin doctoral scholarship, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, JESH Program participant. Editorial Work: Co-edited volumes on Bronze Age metallurgy, power mechanisms, and Balkan archaeology.

• Late Bronze Age
• Early Iron Age
• Central and Southeastern Europe
• +6 more

Katharina Streit is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology within the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, specializing in the archaeology of the Southern Levant. She leads excavations at Tel Lachish and conducts research on transregional interactions and scientific methodologies in archaeology. BA in Archaeology and Anthropology from University of Oxford (2009) MA in Vorderasiatische Archäologie from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2009) PhD from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2012) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Martin Buber Society, Hebrew University (2016-2020) Her research focuses on the Southern Levant from the Neolithic through Iron Age periods, with particular emphasis on transregional interactions and the application of scientific methods in archaeology. Streit's work bridges material culture analysis with chronological studies, examining how cultural exchanges shaped ancient societies across Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. She employs interdisciplinary approaches including radiocarbon dating, archaeobotany, and zooarchaeology to reconstruct ancient economies and social structures. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on Bronze and Iron Age urban centers, particularly Tel Lachish, where she integrates excavation data with textual evidence from Egyptian and Amarna sources. Her work demonstrates sophisticated methodology in resolving chronological debates through scientific dating techniques while examining cultural identity formation during periods of political transformation. Key thematic threads include the material manifestations of cultural interaction, the political economy of ancient city-states, and the development of early writing systems. Streit leads the START project 'Tracing Transformations in the southern Levant from collapse to consolidation in the mid-second millennium BC' and previously directed excavations at Ein el-Jarba (2013-2016). Her collaborative research includes significant contributions to the 'Culture of Defeat' project examining political and social responses to conquest events in the Iron Age Southern Levant. She co-edits major publications and participates in international research teams conducting excavations at key sites including Tel Lachish and Tel Reḥov. As co-director of the Austrian-Israeli Expedition to Tel Lachish, she oversees multidisciplinary fieldwork integrating traditional archaeological methods with scientific analyses. Her research group includes specialists in archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, and radiocarbon dating, working together to reconstruct ancient lifeways in the Southern Levant.

• Archaeology of the Southern Levant
• Transregional Interactions
• Scientific Archaeology
• +3 more