Deutsches Archäologiches Institute - Germany
Author Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Rosalind E. Gillis’s journey into the field of archaeology began with her undergraduate studies in Environmental Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, where she graduated with a 2.1 Honours degree in 2001. She further honed her expertise by earning an MSc in Biomolecular Archaeology with Distinction from the University of Sheffield in 2003. Her academic trajectory reached a pinnacle with a PhD from CNRS-Muséum Nationale d’histoire Naturelle/Sorbonne Universités, France, in 2012, where she graduated with felicitations from the Jury. These formative years established a solid foundation for her specialized work in biomolecular and environmental archaeology.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Gillis’s career is marked by a series of significant roles in prestigious institutions. She currently serves as the head of the Archaeozoology Laboratory at the Deutsches Archäologiches Institut in Berlin, Germany. Her previous roles include research positions at ICArEHB, Universidade do Algarve, and Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel, Germany. Her tenure at the CNRS-MNHN in Paris, France, included contributions to influential ERC projects such as NeoMilk and SIANHE, which explored early Neolithic societies and agricultural practices.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Gillis is a leading figure in biomolecular and environmental archaeology, focusing on stable isotope analysis, lipid residue studies, and the integration of these methods to reconstruct past economies and animal husbandry practices. Her work has advanced understanding of domestication processes, dietary transitions, and the environmental impact of early agricultural societies. Dr. Gillis has also played a pivotal role in developing novel statistical approaches to mortality profiles, providing new insights into ancient animal management.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Gillis’s impact extends across the global archaeological community. As a coordinator for the ICAZ Stable Isotope Working Group and a member of the International Council for ICAZ, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and advancing methodologies in archaeology. Her contributions to biomolecular archaeology have influenced research directions and inspired a new generation of archaeologists. Through her participation in high-profile projects like NeoMilk, Dr. Gillis has shaped the narrative on Neolithic animal exploitation and dairy production.
🏆Academic Cites
Dr. Gillis’s extensive body of work has garnered significant attention, with her research being widely cited in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Notable publications include contributions to PNAS and Environmental Archaeology, where her innovative approaches have enriched the field of archaeology. Her collaborative efforts with renowned scholars, such as Prof. Richard Evershed, underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research in advancing archaeological knowledge.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Gillis’s legacy lies in her ability to integrate biomolecular techniques into traditional archaeological research, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ancient societies. Her ongoing work in ARCHAEOMETRY and stable isotope analysis promises to unveil further insights into the dynamics of early human-animal relationships. As a mentor, leader, and researcher, she continues to influence the trajectory of archaeological science, ensuring her contributions remain relevant for years to come.
📝Archaeology
Dr. Rosalind Gillis’s groundbreaking contributions to archaeology have redefined our understanding of early agricultural practices. Her expertise in archaeology, particularly in biomolecular techniques, has provided invaluable insights into Neolithic economies and domestication pathways. The integration of biomolecular tools into traditional archaeology underlines her innovative approach to uncovering the complexities of past societies.
Notable Publication
📝Diverse Prehistoric Cattle Husbandry Strategies in the Forests of Central Europe
Authors: Gillis, R.E., Kendall, I.P., Roffet-Salque, M., Balasse, M., Evershed, R.P.
Journal: Nature Ecology and Evolution
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Author Correction: Dairying, Diseases, and the Evolution of Lactase Persistence in Europe
Authors: Evershed, R.P., Davey Smith, G., Roffet-Salque, M., Zeeb-Lanz, A., Thomas, M.G.
Journal: Nature
Year: 2022
Citations: 3
📝Dairying, Diseases, and the Evolution of Lactase Persistence in Europe
Authors: Evershed, R.P., Davey Smith, G., Roffet-Salque, M., Zeeb-Lanz, A., Thomas, M.G.
Journal: Nature
Year: 2022
Citations: 64
📝Food and Farming Systems in the Neolithic–An Impossible Vista?
Authors: Smyth, J., Gillis, R.
Journal: Environmental Archaeology
Year: 2022
Citations: 0
📝A Species-Specific Investigation into Sheep and Goat Husbandry During the Early European Neolithic
Authors: Gillis, R.E., Gaastra, J.S., Linden, M.V., Vigne, J.-D.
Journal: Environmental Archaeology
Year: 2022
Citations: 8
📝Seasonal Calving in European Prehistoric Cattle and Its Impacts on Milk Availability and Cheese-Making
Authors: Balasse, M., Gillis, R., Živaljević, I., Stefanović, S., Ivanova, M.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021
Citations: 24