معرفی
Irmelin Axelsen is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Archaeology, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, actively contributing to the CULTcrime research network through the DETECT project. This project investigates the theoretical relationship between 'objects' and 'heritage' by examining how objects enter archaeological collections, with special focus on metal detectorist discoveries and heritage crime dynamics in Norway.
She completed her PhD in Archaeology in 2021 and MA in Archaeology in 2012, both at the University of Oslo. Her doctoral research 'What's the deal with old things?' employed mixed methods including archival research, interviews, and spatial analysis of detector finds to explore interactions between archaeologists and metal detectorists across Norway's heritage management landscape.
Axelsen's research centers on Cultural Heritage Crime, Metal Detecting, and Citizen Science, extending into Digital Archaeology and Contemporary Archaeology. Her work critically examines knowledge production through digital tools, open science practices, and community engagement, addressing methodological challenges in integrating hobbyist findings into formal heritage systems.
Her publication trends reveal consistent interdisciplinary focus combining archaeological theory with digital humanities, emphasizing collaboration frameworks between professionals and metal detectorists. Recent works analyze database 'messiness,' communication strategies, and democratic potentials in digital knowledge ecosystems.
She has extensive teaching experience at UiO across undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses in Archaeological Cultural Heritage Management, Historical Archaeology, and Archaeological Practice. Her pedagogical competence includes formal university training and supervision at multiple academic levels.
Axelsen holds significant leadership roles including Nordic TAG steering committee membership, European Public Finds Recording Network participation, and editorial responsibilities for Norwegian Archaeological Review. She previously chaired organizing committees for Nordic TAG and Norwegian Archaeological Meetings while contributing to COST ARKWORK and citizen science initiatives.
