Karina Croucher

Professor Karina Croucher is a world-leading archaeologist at the University of Bradford's School of Archaeological & Forensic Sciences within the Faculty of Life Sciences. Her work spans funerary archaeology in the Neolithic Near East, interdisciplinary projects linking archaeology to modern end-of-life care, and cultural heritage's role in displaced communities. She co-leads initiatives like Continuing Bonds and Dying to Talk, which use archaeological insights to foster open dialogue about death. Her research also explores bioarchaeology of disability and pedagogical innovations in archaeology education.

Education & Experience:

• British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (resulting in her monograph Death and Dying in the Neolithic Near East)
• Previous positions at the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, including roles in widening participation and pedagogical research

Research Themes:

• Funerary practices across time and cultures
• Archaeology's role in modern societal challenges (e.g., mental health, refugee integration)
• Disability studies through bioarchaeological analysis
• Archaeological pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices

Key Projects:

• BReaTHe: Building Resilience through Heritage (Jordan)
• Continuing Bonds: Archaeology + palliative care collaboration
• Co-authoring Assembling Archaeology (Oxford University Press)

Grants & Impact: Over 49 publications, including books and peer-reviewed articles. Her work bridges academic research with public engagement, influencing policies on cultural heritage and end-of-life care.