Ben Edwards

Dr. Ben Edwards is a Reader in Heritage & Archaeology at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), specializing in Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology, digital heritage technologies, and public archaeology. He holds roles as Departmental VLE Administrator, Academic Enterprise Coordinator, and leads MMU's International Archaeological Fieldschool. His research integrates advanced digital methodologies with heritage management, including projects in the UK, Myanmar, and Cameroon. Edwards is an AHRC Peer-Review College member and editor of the Open Archaeology journal. His fieldwork includes excavations at Bryn Celli Ddu (Anglesey), Milfield (Northumberland), and Duddo Stone Circle. Recent research focuses on AR/VR applications for heritage engagement and Neolithic chronology through AHRC-funded projects.

• Education: BA (Hons) Archaeology (Durham), AHRC-funded MA and PhD (Durham, 2009)
• Key Projects: Bryn Celli Ddu AR environment, Bagan remote sensing analysis, Milfield Basin henge studies

Research interests span open-access archaeology, metric analysis of artifacts via laser scanning, and community-driven 3D digitization. He has published extensively on heritage technologies, Neolithic deposition practices, and digital archaeology. Awards include AHRC grants for crowd-sourcing and AR initiatives.

• Grants: AHRC-funded projects (2013, 2017, 2019), £1M Neolithic dating project
• Supervision: Michael Woods (MA Public History and Heritage)

Edwards leads collaborative efforts in sustainable tourism data capture (Cameroon) and satellite remote sensing (Myanmar). His work emphasizes ethical methodologies and public engagement, including Minecraft-based cultural heritage education initiatives.