Enrico Cappellini

Enrico Cappellini is a Professor at the Section for Geogenetics within the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen. He leads research in paleoproteomics, focusing on ancient protein analysis from paleontological and cultural heritage materials. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (2016-2021) and Assistant Professor (2014-2016) at the Natural History Museum of Denmark (SNM), University of Copenhagen.

Dr. Cappellini received his Doctorate in Anthropological Sciences from the University of Florence in 2004 and his MSc in Biology (magna cum laude) from the University of Turin in 1999. His academic journey includes post-doctoral positions at the University of York and multiple Marie Curie Fellowships. He has been instrumental in establishing the field of paleoproteomics, publishing the first ancient proteome (2012) and first ancient oral metaproteome (2014).

His research interests focus on using high-resolution mass spectrometry to sequence ancient protein residues, methodological development to extend protein recovery further back in time, and minimizing sample requirements. His work spans paleontology, cultural heritage, and evolutionary biology, with particular expertise in dental enamel proteomics and ancient biomolecular analysis.

Dr. Cappellini's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding human evolution through protein analysis, with articles in Science, Nature, and other high-impact journals. His research has been widely recognized, with numerous citations and media coverage across 191+ news outlets for some publications.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• 1,000,000 DKK bonus prize from University of Copenhagen (2016)
• Marie Curie Intra European Fellow (two appointments)
• Research Affiliate at Centre for Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zürich
• Associate fellow at Department of Archaeology, University of York
• Optime award from Industrial Union of Turin (1999)

As an educator, Dr. Cappellini coordinates multiple master's courses including 'Ancient DNA, Paleoenvironments, Megafauna and Domestication' and 'Palaeogenomic Perspectives on Human Evolution.' He has supervised 6 PhD students, 7 Master's students, and 10 undergraduate students. His research group, the 'Ancient proteomics' team, has secured significant funding including the 2.18 million euro 'TEMPERA' European Training Network which he coordinated from 2016-2021.