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Associate Professor Aydin Abar is a faculty member at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Innsbruck, where he has held the position of Associate Professor of Mining Archaeology and Resource Research since 2023. He concurrently serves as Spokesperson for the FZ HiMAT research center and sits on the Advisory Board of the Forum for Critical Archaeology. His academic credentials include: Doctorate from Ruhr University Bochum (2018) with thesis: "Beyond the Ecstasy of Copper. Crafting Dwellers in Early Bronze Age Oman" MA from Free University of Berlin (2008) with thesis: "Pottery Assemblage of Chale Ghar Mine 1, Veshnaveh, Iran" Studies in West Asian Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Iranian Studies, and Assyriology at Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Free University of Berlin, and Humboldt University of Berlin (2001/02-2008) Abar's research integrates critical theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis of resource extraction practices across Bronze Age societies. His work spans Mining Archaeology, Archaeology of Alpine Regions, Critical Archaeology, History of Archaeological Ideas, and Archaeology of Work, with concentrated focus on Metal Ages in the Alps, Iranian Highlands, and Southeast Arabian Peninsula. Current projects include "Miners of the Lagorai Mountains" investigating Bronze Age mining in Trentino, Italy, and "Crossing alpine foodways and miningways" examining intersections between subsistence systems and mineral extraction routes. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals methodological innovation in traceology and material culture studies, particularly regarding Bronze Age mining technologies in the Southern Alps. His work consistently bridges microscopic artifact analysis with broader socio-economic interpretations, demonstrating how surface traces on tools and comparative grindstone studies illuminate labor organization and technological choices in ancient mining communities. Abar actively supervises master's and doctoral theses in mining archaeology and resource research for students focusing on Europe and West Asia. His research leadership extends through significant projects including the international Cherabad Saltmummy & Saltmine Project (2010-2013) and ongoing FZ HiMAT initiatives examining water management in Bronze Age Alpine mining. As Spokesperson of FZ HiMAT, he directs interdisciplinary research on historical mining archaeology and technology in the Alps, while his role with the Forum for Critical Archaeology advances decolonizing approaches in archaeological theory and practice. His recent workshop leadership at the 13th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (2023) demonstrates commitment to critical discourse in the field.

• Mining Archaeology
• Archaeology of Alpine Regions
• Critical Archaeology
• +4 more

Helle Vandkilde is a Professor at Aarhus University's Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies since 2009, with a Docent title at Lund University since 1999. Her work spans Bronze Age Europe, globalization studies, and metallurgy. Current roles: International board member at Kiel's 'Roots' program (2019–2025), Executive Board member of Independent Research Fund Denmark (2019–), Scientific Advisory Board of the National Museum of Denmark (2018–) Research focuses on Bronze Age metallurgy, transcultural warriorhood, prehistoric globalization, and violence. She integrates material culture analysis with theoretical frameworks. Scientific awards include: Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa (Lund University, 2019) The Prehistoric Society’s Europa Prize (2017) Ridder af Dannebrog (2014) She participates in peer review panels and committee work globally, emphasizing Bronze Age interconnectivity and cultural mobility.

• Globalisation studies
• Bronze Age Europe
• Afro-Eurasian Bronze Age
• +5 more

Jessica Keil is a Research Assistant and doctoral candidate at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Innsbruck. Her academic career spans multiple institutions across Germany and Austria, with a strong focus on prehistoric archaeology, particularly the Bronze Age of Central Europe. Education: Doctoral studies in Philosophy, dissertation area 'Archaeologies' (2017-present) at Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck Master's degree in 'Prehistoric Archaeology' with minors in 'Ancient History' and 'Near Eastern Archaeology' (2014-2016) from Philipps University of Marburg Bachelor's degree in Archaeological Sciences with minor in Ancient History (2010-2013) from Philipps University of Marburg Abitur (2010) from Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gymnasium Herzberg am Harz Keil's research centers on landscape, settlement, social and economic archaeology of the Neolithic and Metal Ages of Central Europe, with special emphasis on the inner-Alpine Bronze Age. Her work examines settlement patterns, copper production and distribution networks, and the socio-economic organization of Bronze Age communities in the Alpine region. She has conducted extensive fieldwork across Germany and Austria, particularly focusing on Tyrolean Bronze Age sites. Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on Bronze Age settlements in North Tyrol, with particular attention to the Buchberg near Wiesing site. Her publications reveal a methodological approach combining traditional archaeological excavation with economic and quantitative analysis. Recent work shows increasing interest in adaptability and resilience of Metal Age societies, reflecting broader theoretical trends in archaeological research. Scientific Awards: ÖAW-DOC scholarship (2019-2022) Dr. Otto Seibert Paper Award for published version of the master's thesis (2018) Doctoral scholarship from University of Innsbruck's Young Researchers Program (2017-2018) Keil has been actively involved in significant research projects including the ÖAW-DOC project 'Settlement and copper supply in the Bronze Age of North Tyrol' and the TWF project 'The Buchberg near Wiesing (North Tyrol) in the Bronze Age.' She has participated in numerous academic conferences, presenting research on Bronze Age sites in North Tyrol, copper smelting, and slag-tempered pottery. Her collaborative work extends across European institutions, demonstrating strong international research connections. Her research activities include field excavations, prospections, and professional internships at multiple sites in Germany and Austria, including Altenburg-Niedenstein, Birgitz-Hohe Birga, Hollenstedt, Hungen, Milseburg, Neu-Anspach, Osterode am Harz, Schwiegershausen, Wetzlar-Dalheim, Wetzlar-Kalsmunt, and Wiesing-Buchberg.

• Landscape Archaeology
• Settlement Archaeology
• Social Archaeology
• +6 more

Maria Bianca D'Anna is a Researcher at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) in Vienna. Her primary role involves supporting the Heritage Science Austria network to implement a national infrastructure hub for heritage science. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at ANAMED (Koç University, Istanbul) and a Research Associate at the German Archaeological Institute's Istanbul Department. Her educational background includes: BA in Social Work and Adult Education from Sapienza University, Rome Master's degree in Prehistory and Early History of the Near East from Sapienza University, Rome Doctorate in West Asian Archaeology from Free University of Berlin (2019) Her research explores interdisciplinary themes at the intersection of archaeology and social practices, with focused expertise in: Food systems archaeology : Investigating food-related practices, policy, and commensality in ancient societies West Asian complex societies : Analyzing development patterns in prehistoric and early historic contexts Material culture studies : Specializing in ceramics examination through trace use analysis Cultural heritage management : Integrating museology with contemporary preservation approaches She has conducted extensive fieldwork across Turkey, Syria, Azerbaijan, and Iraqi Kurdistan, and co-directed exhibition development at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arslantepe.

• Archaeology of food-related practices
• Development of complex societies
• West Asian Archaeology
• +7 more

Stefan Hagel is a Research Fellow at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Privatdozent at the University of Vienna, specializing in ancient Greek and Roman music. His work bridges archaeology, philology, and digital reconstruction to analyze ancient musical instruments, notation systems, and performance practices. His research focuses on: Reconstruction of auloi (double-pipes) and hydraulis (water organs) Computational analysis of instrument acoustics Cross-cultural transmission of musical technologies Ancient harmonic theory and notation decipherment He leads major projects including Ancient Music Beyond Hellenisation (ERC Advanced Grant), Digitising Aspects of Graphical Representation in Ancient Music (FWF), and the European Music Archaeology Project . Hagel has developed specialized software for instrument analysis and serves as editor for the Journal of Music Archaeology . His publications demonstrate consistent focus on technical aspects of ancient music through interdisciplinary methodologies.

• Ancient Greek Music
• Music Archaeology
• Musical Instrument Reconstruction
• +3 more

Claudia Theune is a full professor of historical archaeology at the University of Vienna's Institute of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology. She specializes in conflict archaeology, particularly Nazi concentration camps and extermination sites, medieval archaeology, and contemporary archaeology. Her work integrates material culture analysis with historical and ethical dimensions, focusing on memory studies and site interpretation. Education: PhD in 1988 from Philipps University of Marburg. Prior roles include positions at Humboldt University of Berlin (1994–2006). She has led projects in Germany, Austria, and Poland, examining sites like Mauthausen, Hartheim, and Sobibor. Research interests include 20th-century conflict sites, marginal landscapes, and the intersection of archaeology with ethics and memory. She co-edits journals like Historical Archaeology and Archaeologia Austriaca , and serves on editorial boards and academic societies. Her recent work analyzes objects from Nazi victim sites, contextualizes extermination centers, and explores interdisciplinary approaches to historical conflict zones. She is also recognized for her role in establishing the Archaeology of Modernity as a field.

• Historical Archaeology
• Medieval Archaeology
• Conflict Archaeology
• +4 more

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

Immo Trinks is Associate Professor (Privatdozent) at the University of Vienna and Head of the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science . He coordinates a comprehensive teaching programme in archaeological prospection, archaeometry and scientific documentation, and leads large-scale geophysical projects across Europe. Education & qualifications: Dipl.-Geophys. (Diploma in Geophysics) PhD (awarded) Habilitation (Privatdozent, Austrian post-doctoral lecturing qualification) Research interests revolve around non-destructive mapping of buried archaeological landscapes . He specialises in ground-penetrating radar , magnetometry and multi-sensor robotic platforms , developing workflows that fuse high-resolution geophysical data with 3D archaeological interpretation. Coastal wetlands, Roman towns, Viking harbours and prehistoric pile dwellings serve as key study areas. Recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward automated, large-coverage surveys and multi-method data fusion . Papers in 2022-2025 report motorised GPR arrays on snow-covered fields, semi-autonomous driverless systems, and integrated interpretation frameworks that combine magnetics, GPR and remote sensing to reveal Roman military compounds, Etruscan cities, Swedish war camps and Neolithic monumental landscapes. Scientific awards & honours: No specific awards are listed in the supplied text; however, his continuous funding and invited keynote contributions (e.g., ArchaeoProspection conference series) indicate international recognition. Teaching & student supervision: Regular courses: Introduction to Archaeological Prospection, Archaeometry, Magnetic Prospection, GPR Practical, Underwater Prospection, Human Evolution & Archaeological Science, LaTeX for Archaeologists Excursions: 2-day field schools at Alpine pile-dwelling sites and around Vienna Thesis seminars: continuous Master Thesis Topic Search & Exposé and final thesis colloquia every semester Labs & facilities: Trinks heads the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science (VIAS), operating several motorized multi-channel GPR systems, high-resolution magnetometer arrays, electromagnetic induction sensors, underwater sonar and multi-spectral cameras. The institute maintains dedicated GIS/visualisation labs and field vehicles for pan-European surveys within the international ArchPro and Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes initiatives.

• Archaeological prospection
• Geophysics
• Ground-penetrating radar
• +6 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

Dr. Viola C. Schmid is a postdoctoral researcher in the Quaternary Archaeology research group at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAI) in Vienna, with additional teaching roles at the University of Tübingen and University of Vienna. She earned her master's degree in 2013 and completed a binational PhD magna cum laude in 2019 through a joint program between the Universities of Tübingen and Paris Nanterre. Her career includes research positions at the University of Geneva (2019), ÖAI (2020-2021), and Leiden University (2021-2022), before returning to ÖAI in October 2022. Her research explores prehistoric archaeology across Africa and Europe, focusing on human evolution during the Pleistocene. Key interests include: Population dynamics and knowledge transfer in hunter-gatherer societies Technological systems development in Paleolithic and Mesolithic contexts Middle and Later Stone Age site excavations Reanalysis of archaeological collections using modern methods Schmid's publications primarily investigate lithic technology evolution, site formation processes, and Middle Stone Age adaptations in Africa and Europe. Her work frequently employs experimental approaches and interdisciplinary methods to analyze raw material sourcing, tool production techniques, and cultural transitions. Research sites span South Africa (Umhlatuzana, Diepkloof), Senegal (Toumboura III), Austria (Csaterberg), and Germany (Swabian Jura caves). While no scientific awards are documented, she actively contributes to international projects like the South African Middle Stone Age research during MIS 5 and the Peuplement humain et paléoenvironnement en Afrique program. Her grants and students are not specified in available materials. At ÖAI, she collaborates within the Quaternary Archaeology research group, focusing on Pleistocene human-environment interactions. She maintains academic networks through co-authorships with researchers across Europe and Africa, particularly in lithic technology and Paleolithic site analysis.

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Human Evolution
• Pleistocene Studies
• +6 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

Lumila Paula Menéndez is an Associated Researcher at the Department of Evolutionary Biology within the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. She holds a PhD in Anthropology and Natural Sciences from the National University of La Plata (Argentina) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen (Germany) and the Konrad Lorenz Institute (Austria). Her work focuses on human evolution, biocultural diversity in the Americas, primate evolution, and theoretical biology. She leads a DFG-funded project examining cranial and ear labyrinth variation in South American human samples to assess evolutionary processes like genetic drift and natural selection. Her interdisciplinary collaborations involve geneticists, biologists, linguists, and archaeologists. Her research interests include morphometric techniques, stable isotope analysis, and virtual anthropology. Notable projects include studying migration patterns leading to the Inka conquest and analyzing craniofacial climatic adaptations across continents. She advocates for inclusive citation practices and open data initiatives in biological anthropology. Recent work includes publications on Holocene human diversity in South America, osteobiographical studies of indigenous remains, and methodological advancements in 3D modeling. She emphasizes integrating genetic, archaeological, and morphological data to address debates about the peopling of the Americas and morphological diversification. Current projects aim to strengthen virtual anthropology's role in quantitative data generation and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on sustainability and social-ecological systems.

• Human Evolution
• Biocultural Diversity
• Primate Evolution
• +5 more

Matthias Friedrich is affiliated with the Department of Prehistoric and Historical Archaeology at the University of Vienna. He teaches courses such as Sensory Archaeology in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology, Premodern Material Culture and the Senses, and Art and Archaeology in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. His research focuses on sensory experiences in material culture, early medieval and late antique studies, Germanic cultural categories, and archaeological chronology. He has published extensively on topics including Merovingian period chronology, visual culture, and burial practices in Southern Germany. Key research interests include the intersection of sensory perception and material objects, the reinterpretation of 'Germanic' identity in historical contexts, and the application of chronology frameworks to early medieval artifacts. His work bridges archaeological theory with empirical analysis, particularly in funerary archaeology and regional studies.

• Sensory Archaeology
• Material Culture
• Early Medieval Archaeology
• +4 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