Nicholas J. Conard

Prof. Nicholas J. Conard is a Senior Professor and Chair of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology at the University of Tübingen since 1995. He directs the Urgeschichtliches Museum in Blaubeuren and co-founded the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment. His work spans field archaeology, academic leadership, and public outreach through museum exhibits.

• Education: B.A. in Anthropology and Chemistry (1983, University of Rochester); M.S. in interdisciplinary Physics, Geology, and Anthropology (1986); Ph.D. in Anthropology (1990, Yale University).

His research focuses on Paleolithic archaeology, human evolution, and the cultural dynamics of hunter-gatherer societies. He explores the transition from Middle to Upper Paleolithic, environmental reconstruction, and symbolic behavior in early humans. Fieldwork includes excavations in Germany, South Africa, Syria, and Iran, uncovering artistic and technological milestones from 40,000 years ago.

Scientific Awards:

• Verdienstorden des Landes Baden-Württemberg (2010)
• Distinguished Alumnus, Oakwood High School (2021)

Grants include leadership in DFG-funded projects like Cluster of Excellence “HUMAN ORIGINS” and UNESCO World Heritage initiatives. He mentors 97 doctoral students, 119 Master’s students, and 13 Bachelor’s students at Tübingen.

Labs & Teams: Director of the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment (2017–present), co-director of the Schöningen excavations (2008–2021), and founder of the Institute for Archaeological Sciences at Tübingen (2008–present).