Elgin von Gaisberg-Helfenberg

Prof. Dr. Elgin von Gaisberg-Helfenberg is an Honorary Professor for Archaeological Building Research at the Technical University of Berlin and a Research Associate in the 'Cults within the Cult' project of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Arts. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to classical archaeology, architectural research, and monument preservation.

His educational background includes Magistra artium from studies in art history, classical archaeology, German studies, and journalism at the universities of Würzburg, Hamburg, and Berlin (1992), followed by doctoral studies at Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg where he earned his doctorate in 2001 with a dissertation on 'The North Portal of St. James in Regensburg.'

Prof. von Gaisberg-Helfenberg's research focuses on the intersection of classical archaeology and architectural history, particularly in Greek extraurban sanctuaries and historical building techniques. His work combines field archaeology with meticulous building research methodology, examining construction phases, materials, and techniques across different historical periods. His investigations at sites like Didyma in Turkey have provided significant insights into ancient religious structures and their evolution.

His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in multiple domains including Schinkel architecture, Jewish cemetery documentation, and Renaissance urban planning. The articles show a consistent pattern of interdisciplinary research that bridges classical archaeology, architectural history, and conservation science, with particular attention to documentation methods and historical building techniques.

• Award of the Koldewey Society, Association for Architectural History Research (2007)

Throughout his career, Prof. von Gaisberg-Helfenberg has secured significant third-party funding for projects including the 'Cults within the Cult' research, the Jewish Cemetery Weißensee documentation, and numerous building archaeological investigations at Berlin's historic palaces. He has supervised theses in the Master's program in Monument Preservation at TU Berlin and contributed to interdisciplinary research projects examining the Ernestine Wittenberg period.

His primary research sites include the ancient sanctuary of Didyma in Turkey, where he has led building research since 2012, and Berlin's historic palaces including Charlottenburg, Schönhausen, and the Pfaueninsel Palace. His work with the German Archaeological Institute and the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation has established him as a leading expert in both classical archaeological sites and European architectural heritage conservation.