Jessica Keil

Jessica Keil is a Research Assistant and doctoral candidate at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Innsbruck. Her academic career spans multiple institutions across Germany and Austria, with a strong focus on prehistoric archaeology, particularly the Bronze Age of Central Europe.

Education:

• Doctoral studies in Philosophy, dissertation area 'Archaeologies' (2017-present) at Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck
• Master's degree in 'Prehistoric Archaeology' with minors in 'Ancient History' and 'Near Eastern Archaeology' (2014-2016) from Philipps University of Marburg
• Bachelor's degree in Archaeological Sciences with minor in Ancient History (2010-2013) from Philipps University of Marburg
• Abitur (2010) from Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gymnasium Herzberg am Harz

Keil's research centers on landscape, settlement, social and economic archaeology of the Neolithic and Metal Ages of Central Europe, with special emphasis on the inner-Alpine Bronze Age. Her work examines settlement patterns, copper production and distribution networks, and the socio-economic organization of Bronze Age communities in the Alpine region. She has conducted extensive fieldwork across Germany and Austria, particularly focusing on Tyrolean Bronze Age sites.

Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on Bronze Age settlements in North Tyrol, with particular attention to the Buchberg near Wiesing site. Her publications reveal a methodological approach combining traditional archaeological excavation with economic and quantitative analysis. Recent work shows increasing interest in adaptability and resilience of Metal Age societies, reflecting broader theoretical trends in archaeological research.

Scientific Awards:

• ÖAW-DOC scholarship (2019-2022)
• Dr. Otto Seibert Paper Award for published version of the master's thesis (2018)
• Doctoral scholarship from University of Innsbruck's Young Researchers Program (2017-2018)

Keil has been actively involved in significant research projects including the ÖAW-DOC project 'Settlement and copper supply in the Bronze Age of North Tyrol' and the TWF project 'The Buchberg near Wiesing (North Tyrol) in the Bronze Age.' She has participated in numerous academic conferences, presenting research on Bronze Age sites in North Tyrol, copper smelting, and slag-tempered pottery. Her collaborative work extends across European institutions, demonstrating strong international research connections.

Her research activities include field excavations, prospections, and professional internships at multiple sites in Germany and Austria, including Altenburg-Niedenstein, Birgitz-Hohe Birga, Hollenstedt, Hungen, Milseburg, Neu-Anspach, Osterode am Harz, Schwiegershausen, Wetzlar-Dalheim, Wetzlar-Kalsmunt, and Wiesing-Buchberg.