Prof. Evershed - More than 40 yrs of becoming an archaeological scientist

More than 40 years of becoming an archaeological scientist: happy accidents, a couple of light-bulb moments and several pinches of serendipity!

Organic chemistry and archaeology are not natural bedfellows. Indeed, I would be surprised if any chemist has set out to plot a path towards a career in archaeology – I certainly didn’t. However, I was always interested in the natural world and being brought up in the 1960s in an area of house building, as a young teenager, I regularly stared down into the trenches and saw the past recorded in the layers of gravel, clay and soil – the fossils revealed were very special highlights! My academic studies took me into a degree in chemistry and then a PhD in the chemical communication systems of insects. The end-point of this was a realisation of the powers of modern instrumental analytical techniques and that organic chemicals can be unique carriers of information - this has turned out to be the mantra of my career! My sojourn in Bristol Organic Geochemistry Unit as a postdoctoral researcher in the early 1980s provided me with a life-changing chance-encounter with archaeological organic chemistry and, as they say, “The rest is history……….”.

About the speaker:

Professor Richard Evershed FRS has worked in the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol for 30+ years. He is an organic geochemist who uses innovative techniques to analyse archaeological finds and reveal a ‘chemical fingerprint’ that sheds light on the animals hunted — and plants farmed — by ancient humans. His work is providing fascinating insights into how diets evolved as humans migrated away from the Middle East nearly 11,000 years ago.

Using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques, Richard separates and identifies trace ‘biomolecules’ found in ancient pots and other artefacts. He then compares results from different periods and locations in human history to show how diets have changed. By applying his methods to fossils and ancient soils, Richard is discovering new information about prehistoric animals and the Earth’s past climate.

Richard is enthusiastic about promoting public understanding of his work, participating in interactive exhibitions, podcasts, public talks and interviews with the media. Richard is a and has received multiple awards for his work, including the ’s Interdisciplinary Award, the Aston Medal of the and the .

This event is part of UKAS2026 but open to all.

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