Sean Coughlin

Prof. Sean Coughlin is a historian of science specializing in Greco-Roman science, medicine, and perfumery. He currently holds the position of Junior Star Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, Czech Academy of Sciences, and is an Associate Scientist at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. His work bridges ancient philosophy, medicine, and experimental archaeology, with a focus on reconstructing Greco-Egyptian perfume production techniques. Previously, he held roles at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Excellence Cluster Topoi, and the University of Western Ontario. His research explores the interplay between art and nature in antiquity, particularly through studies of Galen, Hippocratic texts, and ancient medical practices.

Research interests include ancient medicine, philosophy, pharmacology, and the cultural history of scent. Notable projects include Alchemies of Scent, an experimental approach to ancient perfumery, and co-editing The Concept of Pneuma after Aristotle. Recent publications analyze Galen’s Hippocratism, cohesion in ancient philosophy, and the role of scent in health and culture.

He has conducted experimental studies using Raman spectroscopy to analyze ancient perfume residues and collaborates with chemists, archaeologists, and perfumers. His work has been featured in the BBC, Times, and Washington Post. Awards include the Junior Star Fellowship from the Czech Science Foundation.