Amanda Henry appointed Full Professor in Evolution of Hominin Diets
As of 1 September, archaeologist Amanda Henry has been appointed Full Professor at the Faculty of Archaeology, where she will hold the chair in Evolution in Hominin Diets. The appointment marks a new chapter in her academic journey, building on her longstanding research into ancient human diets and adaptability.
Continuation and expansion
‘This new position gives me more visibility within the university,’ Henry explains. ‘It’s a continuation of my work, but also an expansion. Especially in terms of my role within the Faculty and the connections I’ve built with Naturalis.’
Henry previously held a one-day-a-week Professorship at Naturalis Biodiversity Center through a Special Appointment. ‘It was a bit of a complicated system,’ she admits. ‘But it opened up a lot of opportunities and collaborations that will continue. Now, being appointed directly by the University makes things clearer.’
New developments
Her research focus remains largely the same, but with exciting new developments on the horizon. Having recently received a prestigious Vici grant, Henry is in the process of building her research team. ‘I’m looking forward to welcoming three new researchers later this year, as well as starting projects with incoming Research Master’s students,’ she says. ‘It’s wonderful to see new faces and fresh energy in the Faculty.’
Henry is currently preparing her inaugural lecture and looks forward to participating in the Dies Natalis procession. ‘I’ve also been invited to a slew of talks by external partners,’ she adds. ‘It’s energising to see how much interest there is in the work we’re doing.’
Pivotal moment
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Faculty, as the Department of Archaeological Sciences has recently seen the retirement of several Full Professors. Henry hopes to play a meaningful role in shaping its future. ‘I’ll be supervising PhD candidates and contributing to departmental development. It’s a chance to redefine what our academic community looks like.’
Rebalancing
While she continues to serve on the Faculty Board, Henry sees her professorship as an opportunity to rebalance her focus. ‘I really enjoy being on the board; it’s taught me a lot about how the University functions,’ she says. ‘I'm looking forward to devoting more time to research, though I imagine that I will continue to contribute to the administration of the Faculty as well. With the government’s current stance on retirement age, I may have another 30 years ahead of me here!’
Looking ahead, Henry remains committed to both her scientific work and the broader university community. ‘The board plays to my strengths, talking to people, organising, solving problems. Next year will bring a lot of changes, and I’m ready to be part of that.’