Ester Oras
Estonian archaeologist and chemist (born 1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ester Oras (born 11 September 1984) is an Estonian archaeochemist and professor of archaeochemistry at the University of Tartu.[3] She is the founder and leader of the interdisciplinary research group Archemy, which applies biomolecular and analytical chemistry methods to archaeological questions, particularly related to ancient diet and health.[4] In 2024, she received an ERC Starting Grant for the project FoodID on dietary identities in the past.[1][4]
Ester Oras | |
|---|---|
Oras in 2020 | |
| Born | September 11, 1984 |
| Citizenship | Estonian |
| Alma mater | |
| Known for | Biomolecular archaeology; organic residue analysis; ancient diet reconstruction |
| Awards |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | |
| Institutions | University of Tartu |
Education and career
Oras studied archaeology and chemistry at the University of Tartu.[5] She completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2014.[6]
At the University of Tartu, she holds appointments spanning the Institute of Chemistry and the Department of Archaeology, and is listed by the university as Professor of Archaeochemistry (part-time) in both units.[3]
Research
Oras's research uses biomolecular approaches (including organic residue analysis) to study ancient foodways, health, and mobility from archaeological materials such as pottery and human remains.[5][4]
She was part of a multidisciplinary team that investigated two Egyptian child mummies held by the University of Tartu Art Museum, publishing results in PLOS ONE (2020).[7]
She has also contributed biomolecular analyses to international archaeological research reported in Estonian media, including work connected to the identification of Europe's oldest known trace of blue pigment.[8]
Oras is a representative on the editorial board of the Journal of Archaeological Science, as listed by the Society for Archaeological Sciences.[9]
Awards and recognition
- ERC Starting Grant (2024): Awarded for the project Food identities: biomolecular archaeology reveals multiple and dynamic social identities (FoodID).[1][4]
- L'Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Baltic Young Talents (2022): Awarded for research on ancient diets and health.[2][10]
- Pro Futura Scientia Fellow (SCAS): Selected as a Pro Futura Scientia Fellow at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study.[6]