777ӰԺ

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

  • Postgraduate at 777ӰԺ

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose 777ӰԺ 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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    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Ahsan

    Postgraduate

    It is a well-accepted opinion in Cambridge that 777ӰԺ 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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    Postgraduate
  • Photo of postgraduate student

    Ellie

    Postgraduate

    777ӰԺ has been a great home for me during my PhD. I chose 777ӰԺ for a number of reasons – first, the location. We are central enough to be within easy walking distance of most things, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (and tourists in summer!). The College also has extensive grounds, with amenities like the hockey pitch, football pitch and tennis courts all on site. Secondly, the accommodation is some of the best I’ve seen in Cambridge. My house was newly renovated when...

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    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Alison

    Postgraduate

    What first attracted me to 777ӰԺ was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

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    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at 777ӰԺ

    Tom

    Postgraduate

    There are many reasons why I’m so happy to be a part of 777ӰԺ. The three biggest reasons for me are the opportunities to be involved in College sport, the support the College provides for me with for my research and the help in making sure that we have comfortable, affordable accommodation when we have needed it. 777ӰԺ is so friendly and so it is incredibly easy to get involved in the sport and social side of the College. The MCR does a great job in welcoming new...

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    Postgraduate