Cornelia Kleinitz is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, Humboldt University of Berlin , specializing in Northeast African Archaeology and Cultural Studies. She is also a Research Associate at the German Archaeological Institute (KAAK) and Honorary Research Associate at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge . Her work focuses on Sudanese archaeology, Meroitic studies, rock art, digital humanities, and critical heritage management. PhD in Archaeology from University College London (2005) MA in Archaeology (African Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology) from UCL (1994) Magister in History and Archaeology from Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt University (1998) Research and Teaching Her research spans Sudan archaeology , with leadership roles in the Musawwarat Project since 2016 and the Meroe Pyramids Graffiti Project (2015-2016). She pioneered the Musawwarat Graffiti Archive (2011-present), an open-access platform for digital documentation of ancient graffiti. Teaching includes seminars on Meroitic material culture, archaeological interpretation, and community heritage. Scientific Awards and Grants Petrie-Prize for best MA thesis at UCL DAAD, AHRB, and UCL Graduate School funding for PhD Leadership and Collaborations Kleinitz co-directs the Humboldt University Archaeological Mission to Musawwarat es-Sufra and contributes to UNESCO World Heritage site management. She collaborates with institutions like the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and UCL Qatar , integrating participatory GIS and digital methods in heritage studies.
Dominic Goodall is a Director of Studies at the French School of Asian Studies (École française d'Extrême-Orient), specializing in Sanskrit Philology, History of Śaivism, and Epigraphy. Based at the Pondicherry Research Center in India, he has been a member of the EFEO since 2000 and previously served as Director of the Pondicherry Center from 2002 to 2011. His academic journey began with studies in Greek and Latin at Pembroke College, Oxford, followed by Sanskrit (BA with Pali, 1990), and medieval Tamil at the University of Hamburg (1990-1991). He completed his doctorate at Wolfson College, Oxford under Professor Alexis Sanderson on the theological school of Śaivasiddhānta in 10th-century Kashmir. Goodall's research focuses on the critical edition and translation of previously unpublished Śaiva scriptures and theological commentaries, particularly from South India. His scholarly work bridges Sanskrit philology with epigraphic studies of Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia. He has made significant contributions to understanding the transmission of Śaiva Siddhānta traditions across South and Southeast Asia through textual analysis of both manuscripts and inscriptions. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on early Śaiva Tantric literature, particularly the Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā as the earliest surviving Śaiva Tantra. Goodall has pioneered the study of Cambodian inscriptions in Sanskrit, revealing important connections between Indian religious traditions and Khmer civilization. His work shows a methodological commitment to rigorous textual criticism combined with historical and religious analysis. Foreign Corresponding Member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres (2016) Co-editor of Tāntrikābhidhānakośa (Viennese dictionary of Hindu tantric terminology) Contributor to Encyclopaedia of Manuscript Cultures in Asia and Africa Goodall has supervised numerous research projects on South Asian manuscript cultures and epigraphy. His leadership in the Pondicherry manuscript project has been instrumental in preserving and making accessible important Sanskrit textual traditions. He has organized multiple international workshops on early Tantric traditions and regularly collaborates with scholars across Europe and Asia. Based at the Pondicherry Research Center, Goodall continues to direct the EFEO's efforts in documenting and analyzing South Asian religious traditions, with particular emphasis on Śaiva Siddhānta traditions as reflected in both manuscript and inscriptional evidence from India and Southeast Asia.
Janet H. Johnson is the Morton D. Hull Distinguished Service Professor of Egyptology at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Oriental Institute. She has been teaching and researching at UChicago since 1971. Her expertise spans Egyptian language, particularly Demotic, and the history of Egypt's Late Period (1st millennium B.C.). Education: Ph.D. in Egyptology, University of Chicago, 1972 Research Interests: Johnson focuses on Demotic grammar, legal texts, gender studies in ancient Egyptian society, and economic practices. She directs the Chicago Demotic Dictionary Project , a foundational resource for studying this ancient language. Her work bridges linguistic analysis with social history, particularly examining women’s roles, property rights, and legal frameworks in Late Period Egypt. Teaching & Contributions: She teaches courses on Middle Egyptian hieroglyphs, ancient Near Eastern history, and gender in Egyptology. Her publications include Thus Wrote 'Onchsheshonqy (a Demotic grammar) and analyses of Demotic verbal systems. She frequently collaborates on projects involving Demotic papyri and museum artifacts. Labs/Teams: Lead director of the Chicago Demotic Dictionary Project , an interdisciplinary effort to document and analyze Demotic language materials.
Nikolaos Stampolidis is a distinguished Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Crete, where he has served since 1984, progressing from Lecturer to full Professor since 1994. He currently holds multiple prestigious positions including Director-General of the Acropolis Museum (since June 2021) and Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art (since 1996). Previously, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Arts at the University of Crete (1994-1997) and Head of the Department of History and Archaeology (1991-1993). Stampolidis earned his undergraduate degree from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (1970-1974), followed by postgraduate studies in Bonn, Germany (1975-1977) with a DAAD scholarship. He completed his dissertation in Athens (1978-1979) with a Greek government scholarship, achieving Magna cum laude distinction. His research focuses on Mediterranean interconnections during the Early Iron Age, with special emphasis on Cretan archaeology, particularly the Eleutherna site he has excavated continuously since 1985. His work spans homeric archaeology, Greek sculpture across multiple periods, epigraphy, funerary practices, and the dialogue between antiquity and contemporary art. His excavations at Eleutherna have revealed significant insights into geometric-archaic period customs and cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean. Stampolidis' scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on Mediterranean cultural networks, particularly between Crete, the Cyclades, Cyprus, and the Near East during the Early Iron Age through Hellenistic periods. His research combines meticulous excavation work with innovative interpretations of cultural interactions, often bridging archaeological evidence with literary sources like Homer. The recurring themes in his work include the analysis of funerary practices, the study of Mediterranean trade networks, and the examination of how cultural influences traveled across the ancient world. His numerous honors reflect his significant contributions to archaeology and Greek culture, including being named Honorary Citizen of Eleutherna (1995), receiving the Tourism Award for his contribution to Crete's development (2015), and being awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Phoenix by the President of the Hellenic Republic (2016). Throughout his career, Stampolidis has supervised numerous graduate students through the Post-graduation program in Classical Archaeology at the University of Crete, which he directed since 2005 (previously co-directing from 1991-2005). His research has been supported by multiple funding sources including UNESCO, the University of Crete, the Institute of Mediterranean Studies, the Mediterranean Archaeological Society, various Greek Ministries, the INSTAP, and European Community programs including INTERREG IIIA and the 3rd European Community Support Framework. Stampolidis directs the long-term excavation and research project at Eleutherna, Crete, which has evolved into a major archaeological site with its own museum. His work at Eleutherna represents one of the most significant ongoing archaeological projects in Greece, combining excavation, conservation, publication, and public presentation of findings through both the on-site museum and numerous international exhibitions he has curated.
Paul Christesen serves as the William R. Kenan Professor of Ancient Greek History in the Department of Classics at Dartmouth College and holds a Life Fellowship at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge. His academic leadership includes chairing the Classics Department while maintaining active research and editorial commitments. Education B.A. from Dartmouth College M.A. from Columbia University M. Phil. from Columbia University Ph.D. from Columbia University His research integrates ancient Greek political systems with sport historiography , featuring groundbreaking work on Spartan society and Olympic victor lists. He pioneers geospatial methodologies through Geographic Information Systems to analyze archaeological settlement patterns, bridging traditional philology with digital humanities. Current projects examine sport's relationship to democratic development across historical eras. Christesen's publications reveal evolving focus from foundational Olympic chronology studies toward interdisciplinary analyses of sport's societal impact, increasingly incorporating digital archaeological approaches and comparative political frameworks. His editorial work shapes contemporary discourse in classical reception studies. Scientific Awards William R. Kenan Professorship (prestigious endowed chair) Life Fellowship at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge As an educator, Christesen teaches core courses including Classical Studies 1: Antiquity Today and specialized seminars on Greek athletics and Archaic history. His departmental leadership and editorial projects demonstrate significant institutional impact, though specific grant details and student mentorship records aren't provided in source materials.
Dr. Grzegorz Kotłowski serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Gdańsk's Faculty of Languages within the Institute of Classical and Slavonic Studies, Division of Classical Philology. He concurrently holds the significant administrative position of Deputy Dean for Students Affairs at the Faculty of Languages, demonstrating dual expertise in academic scholarship and institutional leadership. His research centers on Classical Philology with intense specialization in Latin epigraphy, particularly the documentation and analysis of Neo-Latin inscriptions in historical churches of Gdańsk (notably St. Mary's Church) and Warmia (Frombork Cathedral). Dr. Kotłowski's work bridges philological rigor with historical contextualization, examining epitaphs, sepulchral plates, and commemorative texts from the early modern period to reconstruct social hierarchies, religious practices, and cultural identities within Gdańsk's multicultural urban landscape. His methodological contributions extend to digital approaches in Neo-Latin studies, addressing data acquisition and dataset creation challenges. Recent publications (2020-2022) reveal a highly focused epigraphic output, with over twenty articles detailing specific monuments while collectively forming a comprehensive corpus of Gdańsk's Latin funerary heritage. His collaborative multi-volume series with Elżbieta Starek— Łacińskie inskrypcje w kościołach Gdańska (covering Mariacka Basilica, Śródmieście, and Oliwa) and Łacińskie inskrypcje w kościołach Warmii (Frombork)—establishes foundational references for regional epigraphic studies. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. Administrative responsibilities as Deputy Dean for Students Affairs indicate active engagement in academic governance, though specific advising roles or grant funding remain unreported in current materials. The absence of laboratory or team descriptions suggests individual or small-collaboration research models centered on archival and field-based epigraphy.
Viktor Golinets is a Professor of Hebrew Linguistics at the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies , where he has held the Chair of Hebrew Linguistics since 2018. Previously, he served as a Junior Professor at the same institution from 2012 to 2018. His academic journey includes a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from the University of Munich (2010) and a Magister degree in Semitics from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2004). Education: PhD (Altorientalistik, LMU Munich, 2010), Magister (Semitics, LMU Munich, 1997-2004) Professional Roles: Professor (Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies, since 2018), Junior Professor (Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies, 2012-2018), Scientific Assistant (University of Basel, 2007-2012) Golinets’ research focuses on the linguistic and textual history of the Hebrew Bible , ancient Bible translations , and historical grammar of Hebrew . He specializes in Masoretic studies, Semitic epigraphy, and comparative analysis of Northwest Semitic languages like Amorite, Aramaic, and Ugaritic. His work addresses textual criticism, biblical hermeneutics, and the evolution of Hebrew from Masoretic to modern usage. His publications and articles reveal a strong emphasis on Hebrew onomastics , epigraphic analysis , and the role of language in Jewish cultural identity . He has contributed to international colloquia on textual criticism and Semitic philology. Memberships: German Oriental Society, European Association of Biblical Studies, International Association for Comparative Semitics, Association of Judaists in Germany, and others Golinets serves as Deputy Rector at Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies and has collaborated on projects like the Hebrew-Greek Text-Critical Synopsis of the Book of Jeremiah and the Biblia Hebraica Transkripta. His expertise in Hebrew manuscripts and Semitic languages informs both his teaching and research.
Simon Swain is Professor of Classics and Greco-Arabic at the University of Warwick, concurrently serving as Vice-President (Engagement) at the university and Vice-President (Research and Higher Education Policy) at the British Academy. His leadership roles include former positions as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), Chair of the Faculty of Arts, and multiple terms as Head of the Department of Classics. His educational background includes: MA, Oxford (Pembroke College), 1980-1984 D.Phil., Oxford (Wolfson College), 1987 Swain's research centers on the reception of Greek thought in the Islamic Middle Ages and the social-cultural history of the Greek East during the Roman period. He investigates the transmission of ancient Greek science, medicine, and political thought into Islamic scholarship, employing interdisciplinary approaches that bridge Classics, History, and Islamic Studies. His work emphasizes textual transmission, cultural adaptation, and the socio-political contexts of knowledge transfer. Analysis of his publications reveals consistent engagement with Greco-Roman intellectual history and its Islamicate legacy. Key thematic trajectories include the evolution of medical knowledge from Galen to medieval Arabic texts, political theory in imperial contexts, and sociolinguistic dynamics of bilingualism. His editorial projects demonstrate increasing focus on cross-cultural transmission, particularly through critical editions of foundational texts like Ibn Abī Uṣaybiʿah's medical biographies. His honors include: Fellow of the British Academy (2015) Wellcome Trust Collaborative Investigator Award Swain supervises postgraduate research in Greek world studies, late antiquity, and Greco-Arabic scholarship. He has secured major funding from AHRC, Leverhulme, Wellcome, and EU bodies for collaborative projects examining ancient knowledge systems. Current initiatives like the "Streamlining Galen" project support early-career researchers while investigating how canonical medical texts were adapted for medieval Islamic pedagogy. He actively leads research collectives including the "Streamlining Galen" project team, which analyzes condensed medical texts that facilitated the teaching of Galenic medicine in medieval Islamic institutions. His collaborative approach extends to mentoring networks that connect Warwick with international scholars across Classics and Islamic Studies disciplines.
Peter O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Classics in the King’s-Dalhousie Joint Faculty, with formal affiliations at both Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College. Holding degrees from the University of Windsor (BA Hons), Dalhousie (MA), and Boston University (MA, PhD), he has been a faculty member since 2001 after teaching at a Boston private school. Roles: Graduate Coordinator, King’s-Dalhousie Carnegie Professor, Public Orator (2011-present), Vice-President (2017-2021) Editorial: Co-Editor of Mouseion: Journal of the Classical Association of Canada Teaching: Specializes in Virgil, Ovid, Catullus, and late Roman history Research Focus: Literary analysis of Ammianus Marcellinus’ historiography, Virgilian allusions in late antiquity, and Neo-Latin literature with Canadian themes. His work spans classical formation, emotional rhetoric in Jesuit texts, and classical tradition in Atlantic Canada. Publications Trends: 15 recent works (2006-2019) demonstrate expertise in Latin historiography, Virgilian intertextuality, and Neo-Latin studies. Key themes include rhetorical analysis of imperial speeches, classical reception in colonial contexts, and sacred/secular dynamics in historical narratives. Scientific Awards: Recognized for teaching excellence and graduate advising (2006, 2007, 2010). Holds leadership roles in the Classical Association of Canada (Vice-President 2022-2024). Advising & Outreach: Served as graduate coordinator, contributed to Halifax Humanities 101 and Halifax Thinks community programs, and coordinated the Foundation Year Programme at King’s College.
Stanley Arthur Cook (1873–1949) was a distinguished academic and Regius Professor of Hebrew at the University of Cambridge (1932–1938). He held roles as a college lecturer in Hebrew (1904–1932) and Comparative Religion (1912–1920) at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. His academic career included editorial work for the Encyclopaedia Biblica (1896–1903), the Encyclopaedia Britannica on biblical subjects, and the Palestine Exploration Fund (1902–1932). Cook’s research focused on Semitic languages, ancient inscriptions (e.g., Moabite Stone, Palmyrene, Phoenician, and Nabataean), and Palestinian archaeology. His collection includes notebooks from his undergraduate studies (1891–1894) and specialized lecture notes on Semitic languages and archaeology. He collaborated with notable figures like Flinders Petrie. Education: B.A., Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, 1894 M.A., Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, 1899 Research Interests: Hebrew grammar Semitic philology Biblical archaeology Eschatology Contributions: Editored publications of the Palestine Exploration Fund Authored a draft review of Albrecht Alt’s Israel und Aegypten (1909) His legacy includes extensive notes on ancient inscriptions, Mediterranean archaeological sites, and comparative religious studies. Cook died in Cambridge in 1949, survived by his wife Annette Bell (d. 1942).
Eleni Bozia is an Associate Professor of Classics and Digital Humanities at the University of Florida. She leads the Data-Driven Humanities Research Group and serves as Associate Director of the Digital Epigraphy and Archaeology Project, focusing on 3D digitization of cultural heritage and AI integration in humanities. Her research explores linguistic/cultural diversity in Imperial Greek/Latin literature and its intersections with modern globalism. Bozia holds dual doctorates from the University of Florida (2009) in Classical Studies and Universität Leipzig (2018) in Digital Humanities. Her scholarly work bridges classical studies with digital innovation, including computational analysis of ancient texts, virtual reality for experiential learning, and collaborative global preservation initiatives. Recognized with awards from La Fondation Hardt and the American Academy in Rome, her contributions span peer-reviewed articles, edited volumes, and public engagements like TEDx talks. She actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through roles in the Florida Digital Humanities Consortium and the Literary Encyclopedia. Bozia’s research portfolio includes groundbreaking books on Lucian’s works, multilingual practices in antiquity, and digital epigraphy. She advocates for reimagining classical pedagogy through technology, emphasizing accessibility and relevance for younger generations. Her lab’s projects like the Digital Rosetta Stone and 3D artifact preservation redefine how ancient knowledge is studied, shared, and experienced in the digital age.
Erik Waaler is a Professor of Theology, Religion and Philosophy at NLA University College in Sandviken, Bergen, Norway. He holds a prominent position in biblical studies with a particular focus on the New Testament, intertextuality, and the intersection of biblical scholarship with archaeology and historical context. His educational background includes: 1984: Cand. Theol. from Det teologiske Menighetsfakultet (MF) 1997: Master in Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary - School of World Mission 2005: Dr. Theol. in New Testament from Det teologiske Menighetsfakultet (MF) Professor Waaler's primary research interests center on New Testament studies, particularly intertextuality and re-contextualization in First Corinthians and the Gospel of Matthew. His work bridges biblical scholarship with archaeological evidence, especially regarding Hebrew inscriptions from sites like Ketef Hinnom and Khirbet Qeiyafa. He has made significant contributions to understanding Pauline theology, particularly how Paul reinterprets Old Testament texts in his writings. His secondary expertise lies in applied Jewish studies, history, archaeology, and paleography related to the Levant. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to examine biblical texts within their historical and cultural contexts, providing fresh insights into early Christian interpretation of Jewish scripture. Waaler's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on how New Testament authors, particularly Paul, engage with and reinterpret earlier biblical texts. His work spans from detailed analysis of specific passages like the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 as reinterpreted in 1 Corinthians, to broader studies of intertextual methods. More recently, he has collaborated on technical archaeological projects using spectral imaging to analyze ancient inscriptions, showing his willingness to engage with cutting-edge methodologies to illuminate ancient texts. His research bridges the gap between traditional biblical scholarship and archaeological evidence, creating a more robust historical understanding of early Christian interpretation. Professor Waaler has been actively involved in projects examining Matthew's use of the Old Testament, Jewish use of the Old Testament with focus on Qumran and Josephus, inscriptions from Khirbet Qeiyafa, and Pauline Theology. His work demonstrates a sustained commitment to understanding the historical and textual foundations of early Christianity through meticulous analysis of both textual and archaeological evidence.
Jonathan Edmondson is Distinguished Research Professor in the Departments of History and Humanities at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. His research focuses on Roman history, epigraphy, and cultural interactions in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Lusitania. He co-directs the ADOPIA project, a digital atlas of personal names from Roman Spain. Education includes: Ph.D. in Classics (Ancient History), Cambridge University M.A. in Classics, Cambridge University B.A. in Classics, Cambridge University Research interests span Roman Spain's society and economy, gladiatorial spectacles, the Roman family, and the historiography of Cassius Dio. His work employs epigraphic analysis and digital methods to explore cultural identity in provincial contexts. Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on Lusitanian onomastics, epigraphic habits, and imperial cults. Articles utilize digital humanities approaches to reconstruct social structures and cultural dynamics in Roman colonies like Augusta Emerita. Awards and honors: Corresponding Member, Real Academia de la Historia (2002) Fellow, Royal Historical Society (2009) Genio Protector de la Colonia Augusta Emerita (2011) Award of Merit, Classical Association of Canada (2014) Dean’s Research Award, York University (2016) Distinguished Research Professor (2017) Edmondson mentors graduate students and leads international collaborations, including the CIL II Mérida inscriptions project. As co-director of ADOPIA, he oversees digital mapping of anthroponymic patterns to analyze cultural change in Roman Spain.
Michael C. A. Macdonald is a Research Associate at the Khalili Research Centre , Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies , University of Oxford . He is also an Honorary Fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford , and a Fellow of the British Academy . His work centers on the languages, scripts, and inscriptions of ancient Syria, Jordan, and Arabia, with a particular focus on pre-Islamic epigraphy and nomadic cultures. Research Interests: Macdonald's research spans a wide range of disciplines including epigraphy, linguistics, archaeology, and social history. His primary areas of expertise include: Ancient North Arabian scripts (e.g., Safaitic, Nabataean, Dadanitic, Hismaic) Literacy and the use of writing in pre-Islamic Arabia Rock art and iconography of ancient Arabia History of nomadic tribes in the Syro-Arabian desert Domestication and use of camels and equids in antiquity He has led or co-directed several major epigraphic and archaeological projects, including the Online Corpus of the Inscriptions of Ancient North Arabia (OCIANA) and the Badia Epigraphic Survey in Jordan. These initiatives involve extensive fieldwork, digital archiving, and collaborative international research. Scientific Recognition: Among his accolades, Macdonald has been elected Fellow of the British Academy , one of the highest honors in the humanities and social sciences in the UK. Advising and Collaboration: While no specific PhD students are named, Macdonald collaborates closely with scholars such as Professor Ahmad Al-Jallad and has co-directed projects with researchers from Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Jordan. His work has been supported by major grants, including from the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) . Labs and Teams: Macdonald is the founder and co-academic director of OCIANA , now based at Ohio State University. He also leads the UK section of the Saudi-British-German Epigraphy and Landscape in the Hinterland of Taymāʾ project.
Laura Quick is an Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow of Theology and Religion at Worcester College. Her academic work bridges biblical studies with comparative ancient Near Eastern literary culture, focusing on the intersection of language, gender, and ritual in the Hebrew Bible. Research Focus: Beauty and aesthetics in the Hebrew Bible and ancient Near East; body symbolism in biblical and Dead Sea Scroll texts; philological gender analysis; ritual and liturgical studies Academic Roles: Editorial Board, Hebrew Studies; Steering Committee, Philology in Hebrew Studies (SBL); External Member, Sheffield Institute for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies Recent publications examine topics ranging from cosmetic practices in Esther and Ruth to the mythological background of Isaiah 14. Her scholarship frequently engages with Deuteronomy, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Septuagint studies, employing comparative methods to analyze textual strategies and cultural exchange. She teaches Hebrew poetry, ritual, and liturgy, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate theological education at Oxford.
