Ester Oras


Ester Oras is an Estonian archaeochemist and professor of archaeochemistry at the University of Tartu. 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. In 2024, she received an ERC Starting Grant for the project FoodID on dietary identities in the past.

Education and career

Oras studied archaeology and chemistry at the University of Tartu. She completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2014.
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 in both units.

Research

Oras's research uses biomolecular approaches to study ancient foodways, health, and mobility from archaeological materials such as pottery and human remains.
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.
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.
Oras is a representative on the editorial board of the Journal of Archaeological Science, as listed by the Society for Archaeological Sciences.

Awards and recognition