Jane Downes

Jane Downes is a Professor and Director of the UHI Archaeology Institute at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Her roles include leading archaeological research initiatives in Orkney and broader UK contexts. She specializes in prehistoric Britain, islands archaeology, and the intersection of archaeology with climate change and cultural heritage management. She actively supervises PhD students in areas like Neolithic Orkney and World Heritage Studies.

Her research focuses on safeguarding endangered heritage sites globally, including projects in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). She has pioneered studies on climate change impacts on archaeological sites, producing influential work on coastal erosion risks and heritage preservation strategies.

Dr. Downes has received the Top Archaeology Award for her co-authored book on the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. She frequently engages with public audiences through conferences like Current Archaeology Live!, media appearances, and COP26-related sustainability discussions. She leads the Sustainability Studies Energy Innovation Team at UHI Orkney, integrating archaeological insights into contemporary environmental challenges.

Her career spans over 25 years of fieldwork and academic leadership, including directing the Ness of Brodgar excavations and advancing public archaeology initiatives. She remains a key figure in both theoretical archaeology and applied heritage management.