PaleoMIX
Nurturing Heritage Science with Novel Bioarchaeological Methods in the Eastern Baltics.
PI Mari Tõrv
Period: 01.01.2023–30.06.2026
From Concept to Application
Tangible heritage is a finite resource and often the only surviving evidence of past human groups. Modern bioarchaeological methods can reveal health, diet, migration, and lifestyles of ancient communities with minimal impact on the materials themselves.
However, the expertise and infrastructure required for these advanced techniques are unevenly distributed across Europe, limiting profound interpretations and innovation. Laboratories with advanced analytical capabilities often lack the contextual understanding needed for meaningful interpretation, while regional heritage institutions, rich in contextual knowledge, frequently lack the necessary equipment and methodological training. This imbalance has led to overly simplistic interpretations based mainly on raw measurements, overlooking both cultural context and the broader methodological potential of tangible heritage.
PaleoMIX aims to bridge the humanities and natural sciences by creating a Research & Innovation Hub on Tangible Heritage Studies at the University of Tartu. The project fosters knowledge transfer from leading institutions—University of York, University of Copenhagen, and University of Burgos—to strengthen bioarchaeology in the Eastern Baltic region. During this project, archaeologists, chemists, and paleogeneticists from Tartu University will learn to apply innovative bioarchaeological and computational methods to study cultural heritage more sustainably and effectively. It also promotes multidisciplinary collaboration, linking academia, business, and government.
The project implements cutting-edge omics-based methods (genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, isotope analysis) and machine learning to study archaeological materials. It develops training resources, an online database (PaleoMIX O.A.D.), and new services through the R&I Hub to improve research efficiency and innovation. These efforts will enhance heritage science, STEM education, and sustainable handling of cultural heritage.
From Application to Understanding
Access the co-authored article from 2023: Parallel worlds and mixed economies: multi-proxy analysis reveals complex subsistence systems at the dawn of early farming in the northeast Baltic.
Access the co-authored article from 2026: Beyond bones: how biomolecular archaeology is challenging the definition of ancient human remains and its ethical implications.
On 28–29 November 2025, the PaleoMIX 6th Consortium Meeting took place. The first day featured a series of engaging presentations — some offering an overview of the project’s outcomes, others providing valuable insight into related research and future plans. You can access some of the presentation videos here.
The project PaleoMIX has received funding from the European Commission’s Horizon program under the agreement number 101079396, with additional support from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant number 10063975.
