ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´

Profile photo of Marie Louise Sørensen

Email: mlss@cam.ac.uk

Website:

Website:

Professor Marie Louise Sørensen

Emeritus Fellow
University Positions
Professor of Archaeology
Subjects
Specialising in
European prehistory
gender
theory
contemporary heritage politics

I always wanted to be an archaeologist, and I have hugely enjoyed working in this field. To me it is unique, and has provided me with a wonderful journey of discovery and engagement.

Academic interests

My specialisms are European prehistory, gender, and theory. I also work with contemporary heritage politics.

I'm currently involved in archaeological fieldwork on two projects: exploring early colonial expansion into the then uninhabited Cape Verde islands and the subsequent creation of a new creole Afro-European place, and investigating domestic life on a Bronze Age tell in Hungary. 

My heritage work has especially focused on the links between heritage, politics, and identity, in particular around conflict, including destruction and reconstruction.

Degrees obtained

  • BA, Aarhus University, Denmark.
  • Cand. Phil. Aarhus University, Denmark.
  • PhD, Cambridge.

Awards and prizes

  • European Heritage prize, the annual prize from the European Association of Archaeologists for outstanding contribution to heritage.
  • Rigmor og Carl Holst-Knudsens Videnskabspris, Aarhus University, Denmark.
  • Felix Neuberg prize and lecture, Gothenburg University, Sweden.

Biography

I was born in Denmark and grew up near the Danish-German border, which may be the reason for my interest in heritage, politics, and identity. I obtained my first two degrees from Aarhus University, Denmark, and then came to Cambridge for my PhD. I have been employed at the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology since 1987. I was elected a member of the Det Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskab (The Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters) in January 2019.

I have two children and my husband is also an archaeologist.

Other interests

Politics, gardening, travelling.

Department link

Publications, links and resources

My recent publications include:

  • Sørensen, M.L. and Viejo-Rose, D. eds, (2015) War and Cultural Heritage: Biographies of Place. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Sørensen, M.L. and Rebay-Salisbury, K. eds, (2012) . Oxford: Oxbow.

Further  by Marie Louise Sørensen.

Hear from our students

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    Dolly

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    I chose ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

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    Dulcie

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    ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and historical colleges at Cambridge! It is also, in my opinion, one of the most supportive colleges: from wellbeing to the porters there is always someone to ask for advice, support, or to talk through your stress. I chose Jesus for many reasons. Firstly, it’s right in the heart of the city centre which is amazing not only for that quick top-up shop but also to explore the beautiful city of Cambridge even while busy (it’s so easy to go for...

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    Tara

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    Ahsan

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    It is a well-accepted opinion in Cambridge that ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ is the best college and no other college even comes a distant second. Its sports grounds are enormous, its buildings are mesmerising, its libraries are rich, its chapel is the oldest, its accommodation is the best value for money, its international community is diverse, its religious circles are the most welcoming, and its members are the smartest, kindest and the friendliest. It is one of the central colleges that aims to offer three years accommodation to postgraduates, and has comparatively...

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    Ellie

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