Biomolecular Archaeology Research Group

Biomolecular Archaeology Research Group (2021 SGR 00527).

Archaeological science is the fastest-growing field in archaeology, driven primarily by biomolecular analysis—that is, the study of ancient molecules in organic and inorganic tissues. Biomolecular analysis is also of great interest in paleoecology, especially for taxonomic identification and functional studies (trophic ecology).

The Biomolecular Archaeology Research Group, based in the Department of Prehistory, includes a scientific team composed of a principal investigator, laboratory technician, and collaborators that range from postdoctoral researchers to graduate students, as well as a wide network of internal and external partners. The team has extensive experience both in the application and the development of analytical methods in molecular archaeology.

Our facilities are fully equipped for the extraction of collagen and ancient proteins from old biological tissues (such as bone, dental calculus, leather) and inorganic materials (such as ceramic artifacts or stone tools). We routinely carry out laboratory work in two main research areas: paleoproteomics and stable isotope analysis, both organic (collagen) and inorganic (carbonates), focusing on elements such as C, N, O, S, and Sr.

Our research is supported by a strong network of collaborations, enabled by multiple research grants at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, including an ERC Consolidator Grant (TRADITION), an MSCA-ITN-EJD (ChemArch), a Beatriu de Pinós fellowship, several MSCA postdoctoral fellowships, a National R&D Plan project (Animal Farm), and an SGR-2021 project (EarlyFoods). Our research is mainly focused in South America (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile) and Europe (Spain, Italy).