Eslem Ben Arous

I am an African Pleistocene geochronologist and archaeologist interested in reconstructing the chronological narrative of human occupation and evolution across the African continent over the last 600,000 years. My research focuses on developing and applying Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), Uranium-Series and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating methods to archaeological sites associated with the Early Stone Age (ESA) and Middle Stone Age (MSA) in Southern, Central, Western and Northern Africa. A particular goal of my ongoing research is to push the limits of ESR dating in Africa and refine the chronological framework of key periods of human evolution.

I am also interested in understanding how past human societies adapted to and remained resilient in the face of environmental and climatic changes. I aim to foster interdisciplinary and international collaborations, exchange knowledge and methodologies, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive scientific community. 

As an AGYA member, I am particularly committed to highlighting and strengthening the contribution of women to anthropological and evolutionary sciences.

Academic career