Sofia Samper Carro

Sofia Samper Carro is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and DECRA Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the School of Culture, History & Language. Her research focuses on taphonomic analysis of faunal remains, Neanderthal lifeways, and human-animal interactions in prehistoric contexts, particularly in Island Southeast Asia and Europe. She holds advanced degrees from institutions including the Autonomous University of Barcelona (PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology) and ANU (PhD in Archaeology).

• Bachelor of History, Autonomous University of Madrid (2005)
• MSc Palaeontology, Complutense University of Madrid (2009)
• MSc Osteoarchaeology, University of Edinburgh (2011)
• PhD Prehistoric Archaeology, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2015)
• PhD Archaeology, Australian National University (2019)

Her work integrates zooarchaeology, palaeoproteomics, and taphonomic studies to explore subsistence strategies and human adaptation. Recent projects include investigating Neanderthal sites in the Iberian Peninsula and maritime colonization in Wallacea. She leads projects such as the DECRA-funded study on Neanderthal diets and is a key collaborator in interdisciplinary initiatives analyzing ancient biomolecules.

Her scientific contributions span over 30 publications, emphasizing methodological innovations in bone analysis and collaborative digital archaeology. Awards include the DECRA Fellowship (Australian Research Council), recognizing her impactful research on human evolution and prehistoric subsistence.

Her advising and grants include leading ANU projects on Neanderthal lifeways and maritime networks in Island Southeast Asia, alongside collaborative efforts in proteomic analysis and site excavation. Sofia is actively involved in public archaeology and pedagogical outreach, bridging academic research with community engagement.