Birgit Maixner

Birgit Maixner is an Associate Professor and curator at the NTNU Science Museum, specializing in archaeology with focuses on the Iron Age and Viking Age in Northern Europe. She holds a Dr. Phil. from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (2003) and a Magistra Artium (2000). Her research explores decorated metal objects, glass beads, trade networks, and the interplay between place names and cultural heritage. She has curated major exhibitions, including the Viking Museum Haithabu's permanent display, and led initiatives like the Missingen/Åkeberg metal detecting project. Currently, she heads archaeological collections at NTNU and participates in research groups like Iron Age to Historical Archaeology (IAHA).

• Education:
• Dr. Phil. (2003), Magistra Artium (2000) – Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Pedagogical Development Program (2017), NTNU Leadership Program (2017/18)

Research interests include Viking Age metalwork, maritime cultural landscapes, and the role of place names as historical indicators. Her recent work analyzes trade routes via glass beads and hillforts in coastal Norway. Awards include the 2024 David Whitehouse Residency and NTNU’s 2020 Qualification Scholarship.

• Key Projects:
• Analysis of *Sæheimr place names as trade indicators
• Study of Limoges enamel artifacts
• Co-leader of the COMFORT fortification research group

Teaching includes introductory archaeology and museum curation courses. She supervises doctoral and master’s students, including Caroline Fredriksen’s 2023 thesis on metal detecting practices. Active in public outreach, she frequently lectures on Viking Age trade and participates in national heritage initiatives.