ChemArch:

doctoral training to create the next generation of artefact scientists

ChemArch: doctoral training to create the next generation of artefact scientists

An International Doctoral Training Network

15 interlinked full funded PhD Projects on the chemistry and molecular biology of prehistoric artefacts

Double degree between 4 participating institutions and involving 20 project partners


1. Examining the representation of wooden artefacts in prehistoric archaeological assemblages (York/Nice)

2. Recovering proteins from prehistoric pottery using immunological and proteomic approaches (Nice/Copenhagen)

3. Preservation of DNA in tars and resins associated with artefacts (Copenhagen/York)

4. Protein survival in charred ‘foodcrusts’: insights into Mesolithic container technology (York/Copenhagen)

5. Blood from Stone: utilising novel extraction techniques for the removal of tightly bound molecules from mineral surface (Copenhagen/York)

6. Exploring the function of grinding stones using old and new methods (York/Copenhagen )

7. Tracking cereal processing in Neolithic pottery (York/Barcelona)

8. Chemical analysis of stone cooking technologies (Barcelona/Nice)

9. Exploring the artefactual record of feasting during the Orcadian Late Neolithic (York/Nice)

10. Genetic evidence for artefacts associated with prehistoric wine (Copenhagen/York)

11. Exploring the function of hearths through biomolecular approaches (Nice/York)

12. From ideology to economy: unveiling the taxonomic origin of animal bone artefacts with palaeoproteomic analysis (Barcelona/Copenhagen)

13. Tracking adhesive technologies from the Late Glacial to Early Holocene (Nice/York/British Museum)

14. Nature and function of plant based artefacts (Barcelona/Nice)

15. Developing the application of hydrogen isotope analysis (δD) to determine artefact function and provenance (Barcelona/York)