Lis Brack-Bernsen

Lis Brack-Bernsen is an apl. Professor (honorary professor) at the University of Regensburg, affiliated with the Institute of Philosophy, History of Science since 1999. She holds dual citizenship (Denmark and Switzerland) and was born in Copenhagen (1946).

• Education:
  • Mathematics/Physics Diploma, University of Copenhagen (1970)
  • PhD in History of Science, University of Basel (1974)
  • Habilitation in History of Science, Goethe University Frankfurt (1997)

Research Focus: Her work centers on the empirical foundations of Babylonian astronomy, reconstructing ancient prediction rules from cuneiform texts, and analyzing mathematical procedures in Mesopotamian and Mayan astronomical traditions. She has extensively studied the development of Babylonian lunar theory and the origin of zodiacal concepts.

Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent articles (2003–2022) trace her investigations into Babylonian column Φ, zodiacal sign classifications, lunar six phenomena, and calendar systems. Collaborations with Hermann Hunger, John Steele, and Christiane Thim-Mabrey highlight interdisciplinary approaches to Mesopotamian astronomy.

Scientific Honors:

• Member, Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina (2009)

Advising & Grants: She has served as a reviewer for theses at multiple universities and secured three consecutive DFG research projects (1999–2009) to study Babylonian astronomical texts. Her work bridges historical analysis and modern mathematical reconstruction.