Stefan L. Smith

I am a Senior Researcher at the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie in Mainz, Germany. As a landscape archaeologist with a focus on the desert regions of Western Asia, I investigate the interplay between the region’s past inhabitants and modern methods of subsistence in increasingly sub-optimal climatic conditions. To do this, I analyse evidence of past human activity in the Arabian Desert using a combination of remote sensing (satellite imagery and drone footage) and ground investigation to identify the economic and social strategies used to survive there. This has involved fieldwork in remote parts of Eastern Jordan and Western Iraq to document ancient remains, and interactions with the region’s present-day inhabitants to hear their accounts of how subsistence is managed today. Crucially, I see strong evidence that the methods used in the past to overcome survival challenges can be used to inform our present-day responses to climate change-related issues. 

As a member of AGYA, I seek to explore new opportunities for Arab-German research collaboration. I also place great importance on science communication and on fostering meaningful exchange with non-academic audiences. 

I consider this to be of fundamental importance to ethically conduct archaeological research, since it is so integrally linked with present-day culture and identity.

Academic career