Skip to main content
Research group

Bioarchaeology and Osteoarchaeology at Southampton (BOS)

A collection of bones scattered across a table top

We integrate human osteoarchaeology and zooarchaeology to explore aspects of past human identities, migration, diet, disease, and religious practices.

Part of Archaeology

About

The Bioarchaeology and Osteoarchaeology at Southampton (BOS) research group brings together human osteoarchaeology and zooarchaeology, with a particular focus on taking a biocultural approach to the study of bioarchaeology of both human and faunal remains. 

Core members of the group include Sonia Zakrzewski, Jaco Weinstock, Jo Sofaer and Alistair Pike, together with Simon Mays (Historic England) and Dale Serjeantson. Together with their graduate students, both PhD students and master's students, the group have specific interests in the skeletal and bodily expression of past human identities, migration, diet, occupation and activity practices, disease (palaeopathology) and disability, and religious practice. 

This research sometimes includes isotope analysis, ancient DNA research and the use of micro-CT. We often collaborate with other groups and make use of facilities across the University. The research group also undertakes some contract osteological work (of both faunal and human assemblages).

News and events

Explore our latest news and events

People, projects and publications

People

Professor Alistair Pike

Professor in Archaeological Science

Research interests

  • U-Th dating
  • Radiocarbon dating
  • Reconstruction of mobility using Sr and O isotopes, including time resolved measurements by laser ablation

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: a.w.pike@soton.ac.uk

Address: B65a, Avenue Campus, Highfield Road, SO17 1BF

Dr Jacobo Weinstock

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • - Zooarchaeology
  • - Palaeogenetics
  • - Palaeoecology

Email: j.weinstock@soton.ac.uk

Address: B65, Avenue Campus, Highfield Road, SO17 1BF

Professor Joanna Sofaer

Professor of Archaeology

Research interests

  • The role of cultural and community assets in health and wellbeing
  • The relationship between heritage and wellbeing
  • The social value of archaeology 

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: j.r.sofaer-derevenski@soton.ac.uk

Address: B65, Avenue Campus, Highfield Road, SO17 1BF

Professor Sonia Zakrzewski

Prof of Bioarchaeology & BioAnthropology

Research interests

  • bioarchaeology and palaeopathology
  • disAbility, impairment, injury and disease
  • race, migration and mobility

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: s.r.zakrzewski@soton.ac.uk

Address: B65, Avenue Campus, Highfield Road, SO17 1BF

Miss Xinyue Shao

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Connect with us

Get in touch

Professor Sonia Zakrzewski welcomes email enquiries.