Maikel Kuijpers

Maikel Kuijpers is an Assistant Professor in European Prehistory at the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University. His work bridges archaeology with anthropology, sociology, and the history of knowledge, focusing on craftsmanship, skill, and material culture. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has conducted extensive research on Bronze Age metallurgy and material specialization. His notable publication, An Archaeology of Skill, examines technical skill in Early Bronze Age metalworking. Kuijpers is also involved in public archaeology initiatives and science communication, receiving funding to enhance archaeology's public image. He leads research projects such as the Százhalombatta Archaeological Expedition and explores themes like economies of destruction and material specialization.

Education: PhD in Archaeology from the University of Cambridge.

• Research Interests: Bronze Age metallurgy, craft theory, material culture, skill analysis, European prehistory.
• Key Project: An Archaeology of Skill (Routledge, 2017/2019), analyzing technical skill in prehistoric metalworking.
• Grants: Received funding for science communication in archaeology (2021).
• Labs/Teams: Százhalombatta Archaeological Expedition, Archaeology of Skill research group.