James H. Barrett

James H. Barrett is a Professor of Medieval and Environmental Archaeology at NTNU's Department of Archaeology and Cultural History. He specializes in ecological globalization, medieval archaeology, and the historical ecology of marine resources. His research integrates archaeological science, history, and zooarchaeology to explore trade networks involving fish, furs, and ivory, particularly focusing on the intersections between Indigenous producers and urban consumers. Notably, he leads the ERC Synergy Project 4-OCEANS, investigating global historical ecology through marine taxa analysis, and coordinates the Northern Seas Synthesis project analyzing archaeological fish bone records.

Prior to NTNU, Barrett held positions at the Universities of Toronto (1996–1998), York (1999–2007), and Cambridge (2007–2021), where he remains a Senior Research Fellow at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. His work emphasizes sustainability and oceanic studies, aligning with NTNU's strategic research priorities. He has led collaborative projects like the Demise of the Atlantic Grey Whale and the SeaChanges Innovative Training Network, and co-authored exhibitions like 'Havets elfenbein/Sea Ivories.'

Research interests include the socio-economic impacts of resource depletion, historical ecology of marine species (walrus, cod, herring), and glacial archaeology in Jotunheimen. His recent articles address ancient DNA applications, historical fish populations, and interdisciplinary methods in archaeology. Barrett’s contributions bridge scientific and humanistic approaches, offering critical insights into humanity’s ecological past.