Brigitte Hilpert

Brigitte Hilpert is a researcher at the Department of Palaeontology, GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. Her work focuses on Quaternary vertebrates, particularly large mammals from cave sites, and the study of Karst phenomena and cave sediments in the Franconian Alb.

Education

• 1991–1998: Geology/Paleontology studies at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg
• 2005: PhD at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg

Research Interests
Dr. Hilpert’s research bridges vertebrate paleontology and Quaternary geology, with a focus on cave fauna analysis and Karst landscape evolution. Her projects include evaluating Holocene fauna from Franconian Alb sites and studying large herbivores from the Steinberg cave ruins. She also investigates Silurian stromatolites and bryozoan-rich structures to understand ancient climate-carbon cycle interactions.

Notable Projects

• Since 2006: Lead excavations at Steinberg cave ruins near Hunas
• 2008–2011: Curated prehistory museum exhibits on Ice Age fauna in Hartmannshof
• 2004–2007: Co-organized special exhibitions on Franconian Alb Ice Age ecology in Germany

Publications highlight her expertise in Silurian climate impacts, bryostromatolite formation, and Quaternary faunal transitions. Her fieldwork spans cave sediment analysis, emergency excavations at Bronze Age sites, and comparative studies of modern and ancient reef systems.