Work
I am passionate about uncovering the life stories of people from the past by integrating insights from various scientific disciplines
Ongoing projects
I lead research projects such as the Carlsberg Foundation’s Semper Ardens project, “The Tales of Bronze Age People,” and I initiated the Sr-Mobility Research Group at the National Museum.
These projects and initiatives involve international, cross-disciplinary investigations aimed at providing new insights into ancient cultures and societies.
Tales of Bronze Age People
Supported by the Carlsberg Foundation. Director, PI
This “Semper Ardens” Research Project delves into the mobility, identity, and social roles of Bronze Age individuals discovered across Europe, with a special focus on present-day Denmark. By employing a range of scientific methods, particularly strontium isotope analysis, the project seeks to uncover new insights into the lives and movements of Bronze Age people.
Sr-Mobility Research Group
National Museum of Denmark
Initiated and led by Karin Margarita Frei, this group focuses on the development and application of strontium isotopic methodologies to study human and animal mobility in ancient times. The group’s research has led to significant advancements in reconstructing ancient travel patterns and understanding human migration.
Rise -II: Towards a new European Prehistory
Supported by the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond. Co-PI. (recently finalized)
This project aims to reinterpret key processes of change in European prehistory by integrating ancient DNA (aDNA), isotopic investigations, language studies, and archaeology. It seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of prehistoric human societies through advanced scientific techniques.
Awards and Recognitions
With a master’s degree in Geoscience, and a PhD in archaeology/archaeometry from the University of Copenhagen, I bridge science and humanities.
2024
Recieved in: July 2024
International
2022
Awarded by:
Mrs. Ida Emilie Grandjean, born Attrups Foundation
National
2019
Recieved in: July 2021
International
2017
Awarded by: Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF)
International
2017
Dansk Magisterforenings forskningspris
National
Since 2017
Denmark’s leading reference on notable Danes. Gad Editorial
National
Since 2017
Type: Elected life-membership
National
2016
Received in 2016
International
2015
Ranked by: Archaeology Magazine
International
2015
Awarded by: Scientific Newspaper “Ingeniøren”
National
2013
Eilschou Holms Award
National
2011
Awarded by: L’Oréal Denmark, UNESCO, and The Danish Royal Academy of Sciences and Letters
National
2011
Awarded by: GMPCA for the best PhD thesis in Archaeometry
International
2010
Award by; The Faculty of Humanities, Copenhagen University for PhD thesis
National
Publications
My extensive research and popular writings contribute new scientific insights and deepen our knowledge of ancient societies.
Over 100 peer-reviewed articles
I have published over 100 peer-reviewed articles that have made significant contributions to the fields of archaeometry, archaeology, mobility, migration, trade, identity, and geoscience.
Contributed chapters in various books
I have contributed chapters to numerous academic books, sharing my expertise and research findings with a broader audience.
National bestselling author of “The Journey of the Egtved Girl”
The Journey of the Egtved Girl” became a national bestseller. In it, I share my personal journey of building a cross-disciplinary career, detailing how I developed and applied innovative scientific techniques to investigate the mobility and life of the iconic Bronze Age woman, The Egtved Girl.