Susanne Greiff

Susanne Greiff is a Professor of Archaeometry at the Institute of Pre- and Early History and Medieval Archaeology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. She leads the Archaeometry Laboratory and specializes in scientific analysis of archaeological materials, including provenance studies, glass technology, and non-destructive analytical techniques. Prior to this, she held leadership roles at the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM) for over two decades, including directorship of its Xi'an branch in China and co-leading interdisciplinary research clusters.

• PhD in Mineralogy (1994), Mainz University
• Master's Degree in Mineralogy (1990), RWTH Aachen

Her research focuses on archaeometric analysis of artifacts like glass, metals, and gemstones, with emphasis on diachronic provenance determination, technological evolution, and cultural exchange patterns. She pioneered studies on mineralogical corrosion mechanisms and technical knowledge transfer in historical contexts.

Key publication themes include material taphonomy, analytical methodologies (micro-RFA, Raman, IR spectroscopy), and interdisciplinary approaches to archaeological wear analysis. Her work spans projects on ancient metallurgy, glass production, and colonial-era antiquities trade.

Scientific Honors

• Chinese State Prize for Cultural Heritage Protection (2010)
• Shaanxi Province Friendship Prize (2012)

As an educator, she supervises advanced research and co-led the dual degree program in Archaeological Conservation. She has coordinated major projects like the interdisciplinary study of the Greek treatise on goldsmithing and served on advisory boards for the German Mineralogical Society.

Currently, she oversees the RGZM's archaeometry lab and contributes to international networks including the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and the European Association of Archaeologists.