Liliana Janik

Dr. Liliana Janik serves as an Associate Professor in Archaeology and Heritage at the University of Cambridge's Department of Archaeology within the Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Sciences. She holds dual roles as a Fellow of Girton College and Director of Studies there, actively supervising PhD students while contributing to undergraduate education. Her academic profile demonstrates deep engagement with theoretical and methodological approaches to archaeological interpretation, particularly regarding visual culture and material representations from prehistoric societies.

Dr. Janik's research expertise spans Material Culture, Cognition and Culture, Heritage, Rock Art, and Archaeological Theory, with particular emphasis on prehistoric northern Europe and East Asia. Her work explores how visual representations function within prehistoric societies, examining the cognitive and symbolic dimensions of rock art among fisher-gatherer-hunter communities. She has pioneered methodologies for interpreting visual narratives in prehistoric contexts and investigates connections between ancient art forms and contemporary visual culture. Her research often addresses shamanism, identity formation, environmental adaptation, and the emotional potency of visual representation.

Analysis of Dr. Janik's publication record reveals consistent interdisciplinary scholarship bridging archaeology with cognitive science, anthropology, and art history. Her work demonstrates particular strength in rock art interpretation across northern Eurasia, with significant contributions to understanding White Sea petroglyphs, Siberian shamanic traditions, and Jomon Japanese symbolism. She has increasingly incorporated neuroaesthetics and contemporary visual theory into archaeological interpretation, exemplified by her 2013 publication 'Joining Forces: Neuroaesthetics, Contemporary Visual Art and Archaeological Interpretation of the Past.' Her methodological innovations have advanced understanding of how prehistoric societies used visual representation to navigate their worlds and construct social identities.

As Director of Studies at Girton College, Dr. Janik supervises PhD students working on topics related to her research specialties. While specific grant information isn't detailed in available materials, her extensive publication record across multiple journals and edited volumes indicates successful research funding. Her scholarly impact extends to practical applications in museum studies, as evidenced by her 2001 work creating accessibility resources for the 'Flaming pottery: Art and landscape in Jomon Japan' exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Dr. Janik's work connects with the Department of Archaeology's research themes in Material Culture, Heritage, and Science, Technology and Innovation. Her scholarship contributes significantly to understanding prehistoric visual culture and continues to influence archaeological theory and practice, particularly in rock art studies across northern Eurasia.