Caroline Sturdy Colls

Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls is a globally recognized academic in Holocaust Archaeology and Genocide Investigation at the University of Huddersfield. She holds the unique title of Professor of Holocaust Archaeology and Genocide Investigation within the Department of Media, Humanities and the Arts, School of Arts and Humanities. Her work integrates forensic archaeology with historical inquiry to investigate landscapes of Nazi genocide and socio-historic conflicts.

Education: BA(Hons) Archaeology and Ancient History (University of Birmingham, 2007), MPhil(B) Archaeological Practice (2008), PhD in Holocaust Archaeology (University of Birmingham).

Research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to Nazi extermination camps like Treblinka, Alderney slave labor sites, and Serbian killing sites. She pioneered archaeological surveys at Treblinka and co-curated the permanent 'Finding Treblinka' exhibition at Treblinka Museum. Current projects include three major investigations into conflict and genocide, with recent work at Treblinka and Belsen.

Key collaborations include the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, USHMM, and Dutch/Netherlands Institute of Advanced Studies. She serves as Scientific Advisor for Kamp Westerbork, NWO Holocaust Archaeology Group member, and forensic consultant for UK police cold cases. Her work bridges archaeology, forensics, and human rights through projects like the Mandel Center's 'Finding Treblinka' book and UN SDG contributions to justice/memory preservation.