معرفی
Oliver Craig is a Professor of Archaeological Science at the University of York, where he serves as Deputy Head of Department and Director of BioArCh, a center of excellence in bioarchaeology. He leads the BIOARC-HS initiative under the UK’s RICHeS research infrastructure.
- Education: Biochemistry and Genetics (Nottingham), MSc in Osteology (Sheffield), PhD in Organic Geochemistry (Newcastle)
Research Focus: Specializes in biomolecular archaeology, analyzing proteins, lipids, and DNA in ancient remains to study historical diets, subsistence practices, and social evolution. Key areas include:
- Stable isotope analysis of human bone
- Organic residue analysis of ceramics
- Compound-specific isotope method development
- Transition from foraging to farming
- Early pottery use in coastal communities
Research Trends: Combines biochemistry with archaeology to explore dietary shifts across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Recent work examines marine resource consumption in Roman contexts, Neolithic transitions in Japan, and methodological advances in lipid residue identification.
Scientific Awards:
- JSPS Visiting Professorship (2020)
- Hosted 8 Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows
Supervision: Supervised 35 PhD students, including current advisees in areas like prehistoric diet, residue analysis, and metabolomic applications. Directed the Chemarch network training 15 PhD researchers in prehistoric artifact chemistry.
Labs & Collaborations: Leads the BioArCh facility and collaborates internationally on projects spanning Denmark, Chile, Italy, and Japan. Participates in multidisciplinary initiatives connecting archaeology with environmental science and heritage conservation.
