Dr. Gabrielle Kremer is a Senior Research Associate and Guest Researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), focusing on provincial Roman archaeology with emphasis on the Danube provinces and Gallia Belgica. She has taught at the University of Vienna since 2001 and coordinates interdisciplinary projects on Roman stone monuments, including the Corpus Signorum Imperii Romani Carnuntum series. Her work bridges epigraphy, sculpture analysis, and funerary architecture studies. Research focuses include: Religious practices in Roman provinces Stone monument provenance and reuse Cultural identity in Noricum and Pannonia Interdisciplinary analysis of Roman material culture Monumental grave architecture in the Treveri region Current projects involve the PolychroMon initiative (2023–2025) analyzing polychromy in Roman monuments and the Accommodation/Living in a Sacred Context study. She co-edited multiple international colloquium proceedings and led the "Religion and Society" working group (2017–2020) at OeAW's Institute for Cultural History of Antiquity.
Giuseppe Camodeca (born November 9, 1945 in Naples) is Professor of Roman History and Latin epigraphy at the University of Naples L'Orientale since 1994, with additional teaching at University of Salerno and Naples 'Federico II'. His research encompasses: Roman administrative history (iuridici, curatores rei publicae, provincial governors) Editions of Latin epigraphs focusing on senators and equestrians Élites and social structures of Roman Campania Historical-juridical analysis of Herculaneum and Pompeii wax tablet archives With over 180 publications, his landmark works include the two-volume Tabulae Pompeianae Sulpiciorum (1999) and the National Museum of Naples Latin inscriptions catalogue (2000). He currently leads the EAGLE project team digitizing Campanian inscriptions for the Epigraphic Database Roma. Academic honors include: Membership in Accademia Archeologia Lettere e Belle Arti di Napoli Corresponding membership in Pontifical Roman Academy of Archaeology As an active researcher in both traditional epigraphy and digital humanities, Professor Camodeca continues to shape understanding of Roman administrative systems and social history through innovative archival work and international collaborative projects.
Dr. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert is a leading numismatic researcher affiliated with the Numismatics Department at an unspecified institution. His work focuses on ancient coinage, particularly in the Mediterranean region, with a specialization in electrum production, Sicilian coinage, and die-sharing practices in Greek mints. Primary fields: Ancient History, Numismatics, Classical Archaeology Key subfields: Electrum Coinage, Coin Iconography, Die Analysis, Trade Networks, Political Economy, Metallurgical Techniques His research spans from early electrum coinage (7th century BC) to Hellenistic monetary systems, with notable publications on Syracusan tetradrachms, Athenian decadrachms, and the economic implications of coin hoards and die-sharing. While no explicit awards are listed, his editorial contributions (e.g., Cista Mystica ) highlight his academic leadership. He has collaborated on projects analyzing Sicilian coins and Ptolemaic gold coinage, with a focus on cultural exchange and technological evolution.
Birgit Öhlinger is a Research Associate and Co-Excavation Director of the Monte Iato Project at the Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck . Her work focuses on the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean, particularly social transformation processes in cultural contact zones and identity formation through material culture, with a regional emphasis on Sicily. Education: Doctoral studies in Classical and Provincial Roman Archaeology (2010–2014), University of Innsbruck Master’s in Ancient History and Classical Studies (2005–2009), University of Innsbruck Master’s in Classical and Provincial Roman Archaeology (2002–2008), University of Innsbruck Research Interests: Öhlinger specializes in the archaeology of cultural contact zones, ritual and religious practices, and ceramic studies in the Archaic Mediterranean. Her methodological expertise includes digital excavation documentation, experimental archaeology, and material culture analysis, particularly focusing on Monte Iato in Western Sicily. Recent Publications: Her work examines technological choices in local ceramic production, neutron activation analysis applications in Mediterranean archaeology, and ritual consumption practices. She has contributed to debates on cultural hybridity, social identity, and the role of sanctuaries in elite formation. Awards: Anniversary Prize of Böhlau Verlag Vienna (2015) Prize of the Principality of Liechtenstein (2015) Merit Scholarship (2003–2007), University of Innsbruck Doctoral Scholarship (2013–2014), University of Innsbruck Professional Activities: Öhlinger leads projects like "Monte Iato Pots - Experimental Study on Organic Residue Analysis" and "Crime Scene Monte Iato around 500 BC: Microbiological Forensics" . She organizes international conferences and contributes to public outreach through media appearances and exhibitions.
Christoph Baier is a Research Fellow at the Austrian Archaeological Institute in Athens (ÖAI), part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). Since 2017, he has held a postdoctoral position under the OeAW's Post-DocTrack program. His research focuses on Hellenistic and Roman residential architecture, ancient urban planning, and architectural ornamentation. He has conducted excavations and architectural studies across Austria, Italy, Syria, Turkey, and Greece, with notable projects in Ephesos, Carnuntum, and Lousoi. Education: Magister degrees in Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, and Pre/Early History from the University of Vienna; M.Sc. in Monument Preservation from TU Berlin; doctoral degree from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Professional roles include scientific staff positions at excavations and academic institutions, including the Department of Architectural History at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg (2014-2015) and the ÖAI Athens branch (2016). Research interests emphasize the interplay between monumental architecture and urban development, particularly in Hellenistic/Roman contexts. His work combines field excavations with advanced analytical methods (e.g., multivariate analysis of ornamentation). Recent projects investigate Ephesos's palatial structures and Lousoi's Hellenistic urban layout. Publications span 20+ articles in journals like Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes and conference proceedings. He co-edited the 2023 volume Ein anderes Griechenland , celebrating the ÖAI's 125 years of research in Greece. Active in international collaborations, he contributes to the Historical Archaeology in the Mediterranean series. Baier's research bridges archaeological practice with theoretical analysis, addressing questions of urban hierarchy, architectural memory, and cultural heritage preservation. His work often integrates multidisciplinary approaches to reconstruct ancient building techniques and urban dynamics.
Christian Gugl is a Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Historical Archaeology at the Austrian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Cultural History of Antiquity. He holds a PD Dr. (habilitation) from the University of Innsbruck and has been a key figure in archaeological research since 2002. His work focuses on Roman provincial archaeology, digital archaeology, and the archaeology of the Roman provinces in the Latin West. Gugl has led major projects like the Carnuntum archaeological surveys and the Troesmis excavations in Romania, emphasizing non-invasive methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Education: Studium der Klassischen Archäologie, University of Graz Provinzialrömische Archäologie, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Habilitation in Roman Archaeology, University of Innsbruck (2012) His research spans Roman military installations, urban development, and late antique transformations. Notable projects include the discovery of Carnuntum's gladiator school and the analysis of the Roman town's suburban structures using geophysical methods. Gugl coordinates the 'Digital Archaeology and Classics' initiative, integrating GIS and remote sensing. Publications focus on Carnuntum's urban landscape, Troesmis' military history, and Roman frontiers. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles and authored/co-authored monographs on Carnuntum's canabae and Virunum's amphitheater. His work bridges traditional excavation with cutting-edge digital technologies, shaping modern archaeological practice in Austria and beyond.
Olivier Hekster is a Professor in Ancient History at Radboud University Nijmegen, where he has been a faculty member since 2004. He serves as Chair of Ancient and Medieval History and is affiliated with the Radboud Institute for Culture and History. Hekster is an elected member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) since 2020 and has held prestigious fellowships including the Humboldt Fellowship (2012-2013) and WWU Fellowship at Münster (2020-2021). He previously served as Director of the Institute for Historical, Cultural and Literary Studies (2015-2019) and Head of the History Department (2010-2012). Hekster's educational background includes: PhD in Roman History (cum laude), Radboud University Nijmegen, 2002 MA in Roman History (with distinction), University of Nottingham, 1998 MA in Ancient History (cum laude), Radboud University Nijmegen, 1997 Erasmus student at Terza Università di Roma, 1995 Hekster's research focuses on Roman history, particularly the impact of the Roman empire in its wider world. His primary interests include the power and imagery of Roman emperors, dynastic power and self-representation, Roman emperorship, Late Antiquity, the city of Rome, Roman numismatics, and theater and gladiatorial games in antiquity. He approaches these topics through interdisciplinary methods, examining how traditions influence new systems of rule and how power is communicated, contested, and accepted in changing societies. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary questions about leadership, tradition versus innovation, and ancient globalization. Analysis of Hekster's publications reveals a consistent focus on Roman imperial power structures, with particular attention to how emperors established legitimacy through tradition while navigating political change. His work spans from early imperial periods through Late Antiquity, with increasing attention to methodological questions about historical contingency and scale. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in collaborations with computer scientists on facial recognition of emperors and with numismatists on coinage analysis. His scholarship demonstrates a progression from specific case studies of individual emperors toward broader theoretical frameworks for understanding imperial transformation. Hekster has received numerous prestigious awards and grants: 2017 Ammodo KNAW Award for Humanities 2016-2021 NWO VICI grant: 'Constraints and Tradition. Roman power in changing societies (50 BC – AD 565)' 2017 GRAVITATION grant for the program Anchoring Innovation 2012-2013 Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship 2009-2014 NWO Open competition Humanities grant 2003 Keetje Hodshon Prize for best historical dissertation Hekster has led significant research initiatives including the GRAVITATION program 'Anchoring Innovation' and the NWO VICI project 'Constraints and Tradition.' As chair of the international Impact of Empire network since 2006, he has fostered collaborative research across institutions. His grant success demonstrates the high regard for his methodological innovations in connecting ancient history with contemporary theoretical questions. While specific student advisees aren't listed in the provided materials, his leadership roles suggest extensive mentorship of junior scholars through the Impact of Empire network and departmental responsibilities. Hekster chairs the international Impact of Empire network, which connects scholars studying the Roman Empire's influence. He has also been instrumental in establishing interdisciplinary research frameworks through the 'Anchoring Innovation' program, which examines how societies integrate novelty while maintaining tradition. His work bridges traditional historical scholarship with digital humanities approaches, as evidenced by his collaboration on facial recognition methodologies for identifying Roman emperors.
Professor Federico Santangelo (Newcastle University) is a leading scholar in Ancient History , specializing in the political and intellectual history of the Roman Republic, Roman religion, and classical scholarship. He has held positions at Newcastle since 2009, including Professor of Ancient History (2018-present). PhD, University College London (2006) Licenza, Collegio Superiore, Bologna (2002) Laurea, Università di Bologna (2002) Research Focus: Santangelo's work centers on Roman Republic governance, Roman religion (especially divination and civic rituals), classical historiography (including modern interpretations of antiquity), and municipal administration in Roman territories. His recent projects explore the intersection of political ideology and religious practices , with comparative studies on Napoleonic and Roman imperial models . Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Classical Quarterly , Greece and Rome , and Transactions of the American Philological Association , plus 9 monographs and 15 edited volumes. Notable works include Divination, Prediction and the End of the Roman Republic (CUP, 2013) and La religione dei Romani (Laterza, 2022). Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (2019) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019) Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (2017) Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (2017) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2013) Academic Leadership: Grant recipient for projects mentoring Dr. J. Bastos Marques (BA Newton Fellowship), Dr. I. Matijašić (Research Excellence Academy), and Dr. K. East (Leverhulme ECF). Serves on the Arts and Humanities Panel (British Council) and as peer reviewer for international funding bodies.
Walter Prochaska is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Austrian Archaeological Institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on archaeometric analysis of white marble provenance in Roman contexts, utilizing geochemical and petrographic methods. Key projects include marble sourcing in Roman Thrace, Corinth, and Ephesos, with significant contributions to establishing provenance databases. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences Institute: Austrian Archaeological Institute His work intersects Archaeometry and Material Science , examining marble trade networks across the Roman Empire . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining geoarchaeology with database development to trace marble origins. Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the available data. His expertise in marble provenance analysis has been applied to sites in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and North Africa, revealing patterns of material circulation and workshop dynamics.
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.
Mag. Dr. Hannes Lehar is a freelance Researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Innsbruck, specializing in classical and provincial Roman archaeology. With a unique interdisciplinary background spanning international trade, heating technology management, and classical archaeology, he holds a doctorate in philosophy (Dr. phil.) for his groundbreaking work on Roman hypocaust systems. Research Focus: Ancient heating systems, Roman construction technology, experimental archaeology Key Projects: DAI Rome climate control studies, Xanten Archaeological Park renovations, Swiss medieval heating analysis His research bridges archaeology with engineering, examining Roman interactions with nature, resource consumption (mining, forestry), and daily life practices like nutrition and sanitation. He has conducted over a dozen experimental projects on heating systems, latrine flushing, and sacrificial meat preparation. Though not holding a formal academic rank like professor, his 15+ years of fieldwork and publications in Germania , Forum Archaeologiae , and Experimentelle Archäologie in Europa have made significant contributions to Roman technological studies. His current work includes advising on the 2023/24 Xanten thermal bath renovations using ancient concrete models. 2005–2011: Academic path from diploma to doctorate at Innsbruck 2011–Present: 10+ experimental projects with fire departments and research institutes 2016–2021: DFG-funded elastic concrete studies (discontinued without success)
Michael Tschurtschenthaler is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Innsbruck, specializing in Roman archaeology with a particular focus on the ancient Roman settlement of Aguntum in East Tyrol, Austria. His work combines field excavation, historical research, and public outreach to advance understanding of Roman provincial life in the Alpine region. Dr. Tschurtschenthaler's research primarily centers on the Municipium Claudium Aguntum, one of the northernmost Roman cities, where he has led extensive excavations since the early 2000s. His work examines Roman urban planning, public architecture (particularly the forum), burial practices, cultural transfer between Mediterranean and Alpine regions, and the transformation of Roman settlements during the 3rd century crisis. He also conducts research at the Demeter Sanctuary in Policoro, Italy, exploring Greek and Roman religious practices. Analysis of Dr. Tschurtschenthaler's publications reveals a consistent focus on archaeological documentation of Roman sites in the Alpine region, with particular attention to urban development, architectural features, and cultural continuity. His work bridges field archaeology with public presentation, as evidenced by numerous publications in both academic journals and public-facing media. He demonstrates expertise in integrating geophysical survey methods with traditional excavation techniques to study challenging archaeological sites. Dr. Tschurtschenthaler maintains an active role in academic and public engagement, regularly presenting research findings at conferences and through media appearances. His work with the Curatorium pro Agunto Association demonstrates commitment to community involvement in archaeological preservation and interpretation. He has developed significant expertise in transforming archaeological sites into educational resources through the Aguntum Archaeological Park.
Thomas Kruse is a Senior Lecturer and Privatdozent at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, leading the research group on 'History of Ancient Law and Papyrology'. He holds degrees in Law, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, and Medieval and Modern History from Heidelberg University. His academic journey includes roles as a research assistant at Bielefeld University (1992–1998), the University of Heidelberg (1999–2004), and a university lecturer at Heidelberg (2004–2009). Since 2009, he has been affiliated with the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He was a 2019 Member in Residence at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. Research Interests : Kruse focuses on documentary papyri editions, Egypt’s history under Roman rule, and the administrative systems of the Roman Imperial period. His work bridges legal history, papyrology, and social history, analyzing how documentary sources reflect societal structures. Publications : His recent work includes comprehensive editions of documentary papyri (e.g., Urkundenreferat 2020 and Urkundenreferat 2019 ) and studies on Roman legal texts like the Gnomon des Idios Logos . His 2021 paper on Ptolemaic Alexandria challenges assumptions about urban demographics in antiquity. Awards : Member in Residence, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (2019) Grants & Projects : Leads the project Living with the Dead: Necropoleis in Roman Asia Minor as Gateways to Family and Society , exploring burial practices and social dynamics. His work often involves collaborative archival projects, including contributions to the Papyrussammlung der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek. Labs/Teams : Heads the RG 'History of Ancient Law and Papyrology' at the Austrian Academy, fostering interdisciplinary research on legal and administrative sources from antiquity.
Nikolaus Schindel is a Senior Lecturer and Group Leader of the Numismatics Research Group at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Vienna). He specializes in ancient and medieval coinage, with a focus on Byzantine, Islamic, and Crusader numismatic systems. His work spans from Nabatean kingdoms to Ottoman sultanates, analyzing minting practices, economic networks, and political narratives encoded in coins. Research interests include cross-cultural monetary exchanges, counterfeiting practices, and hoard analysis. He leads excavations at sites like Ephesos and contributes to projects such as the Aigeira Kleidi/Samikon excavations. Active in numismatic societies, he serves on the Scientific Advisory Board and Archäologischer Rat committees. Prominent publications (2024) address rare Nabatean coin types, Abbasid dirhams in Carinthia, and Ottoman Sultan Cem's coinage. He co-authored a seminal study on Crusader-era coins in Vienna's collection (2019). His research bridges numismatic material with broader historical narratives, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. His lab, based at Dominikanerbastei 16, Vienna, collaborates internationally on numismatic projects. Teaching and mentoring emphasize hands-on analysis of coin collections and digital numismatic methodologies.
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.
