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Professor Chris Clarkson
Professor

Chris Clarkson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53235

Overview

Background

I studied archaeology at the University of Queensland, then completed my PhD at the Australian National University under the supervision of Prof Peter Hiscock and Distinguished Professor Sue O'Connor on Holocene technological and cultural change in Wardaman Country, Northern Territory. I then took up a postdoctoral Fellowship in the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolution at the University of Cambridge, working closely with Professors Robert Foley, Marta Mirazon Lahr and Michael Petraglia. I returned to UQ as an ARC Fellow in 2004 and then took up a lectureship in the School of Social Science in 2005. My teaching is centred on stone tools, ancient technologies, Anustralian Indigenous heritage, Human Evolution and other topics. My research involves working closely with Aboriginal people documenting their cultural heritage, understanding the evolution of our species and the migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa and long-term change in many parts of the world, including East Timor, France, Africa, and India. I am currently working on Australia's oldest known site of Madjedbebe in close collaboration with the Mirarr and Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, and the site of Malangangerr with the Manilikarr, Njanmja Aboriginal Corporation and Kakadu National Park.

Availability

Professor Chris Clarkson is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University

Research interests

  • Long-term cultural and technological change in western Arnhem Land

    In collaboration with Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, Njanmja Aboriginal Corporation and Kakadu National Park

  • The technological signature of Homo sapiens Out of Africa migration

  • Long-term cultural change on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

    In collaboration with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation and Everick Heritage PTY LTD

  • Global origins of stone projectile point technology

Works

Search Professor Chris Clarkson’s works on UQ eSpace

113 works between 1994 and 2024

101 - 113 of 113 works

2005

Book Chapter

Edge-ground hatchets on the Southern Curtis Coast, Central Queensland: A preliminary Assessment of Technology, Chronology and Provenance

Ulm, Sean, Cotter, Stephen, Cotter, Maria, Lilley, Ian, Clarkson, Chris and Reid, Jill (2005). Edge-ground hatchets on the Southern Curtis Coast, Central Queensland: A preliminary Assessment of Technology, Chronology and Provenance. Many Exchanges: Archaeology, History, Community and the Work of Isabel McBryde. (pp. 323-342) edited by Ingereth Macfarlane, Mary-Jane Mountain and Robert Paton. Canberra: Aboriginal History Inc..

Edge-ground hatchets on the Southern Curtis Coast, Central Queensland: A preliminary Assessment of Technology, Chronology and Provenance

2005

Book Chapter

Introduction: Casting new light on old stones

Clarkson, C. J. and Lamb, L. (2005). Introduction: Casting new light on old stones. Lithics 'Down Under': Australian Approaches to Lithic Reduction, Use and Classification. (pp. 1-6) edited by C. Clarkson and L. Lamb. Oxford: Archaeopress.

Introduction: Casting new light on old stones

2005

Journal Article

Experimental evaluation of Kuhn's geometric index of reduction and the flat-flake problem

Hiscock, Peter and Clarkson, Chris (2005). Experimental evaluation of Kuhn's geometric index of reduction and the flat-flake problem. Journal of Archaeological Science, 32 (7), 1015-1022. doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2005.02.002

Experimental evaluation of Kuhn's geometric index of reduction and the flat-flake problem

2003

Conference Publication

The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological sites: Recent results for Jugali-ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country

Clarkson, C. and Wallis, L. (2003). The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological sites: Recent results for Jugali-ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country. The State-of-the-Art in Phytolith and Starch Research in the Australian-Pacific-Asian Regions, Canberra, Australia, 1-3 August 2001. Canberra, Australia: Pandanus Books.

The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological sites: Recent results for Jugali-ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country

2003

Book Chapter

The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological Sites: Recent results from Jugali-Ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country, Australia

Clarkson, C. and Wallis, Lynley (2003). The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological Sites: Recent results from Jugali-Ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country, Australia. Phytolith and starch research in the Australian-Pacific-Asian regions : the state of the art : papers from a conference held at the ANU, August 2001, Canberra, Australia. (pp. 137-152) edited by D.M. Hart and L. A. Wallis. Canberra: Pandanus Press: The Australian National University.

The search for El Nino/Southern Oscillation in archaeological Sites: Recent results from Jugali-Ya Rockshelter, Wardaman Country, Australia

2002

Journal Article

An Index of Invasiveness for the Measurement of Unifacial and Bifacial Retouch: A Theoretical, Experimental and Archaeological Verification

Clarkson, Chris (2002). An Index of Invasiveness for the Measurement of Unifacial and Bifacial Retouch: A Theoretical, Experimental and Archaeological Verification. Journal of Archaeological Science, 29 (1), 65-75. doi: 10.1006/jasc.2001.0702

An Index of Invasiveness for the Measurement of Unifacial and Bifacial Retouch: A Theoretical, Experimental and Archaeological Verification

2002

Journal Article

Holocene scraper reduction, technological organization and landuse at Ingaladdi Rockshelter, northern Australia

Clarkson, Chris (2002). Holocene scraper reduction, technological organization and landuse at Ingaladdi Rockshelter, northern Australia. Archaeology in Oceania, 37 (2), 79-86. doi: 10.1002/j.1834-4453.2002.tb00508.x

Holocene scraper reduction, technological organization and landuse at Ingaladdi Rockshelter, northern Australia

2001

Journal Article

Technological Change in Wardaman Country: Report on the 1999 Season

Clarkson, Chris (2001). Technological Change in Wardaman Country: Report on the 1999 Season. Australian Aboriginal Studies, 2001 (1), 63-68.

Technological Change in Wardaman Country: Report on the 1999 Season

2000

Journal Article

Analysing Australian Stone Artefacts: an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century

Clarkson, Chris and Hiscock, Peter (2000). Analysing Australian Stone Artefacts: an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century. Australian Archaeology, 50, 98-108.

Analysing Australian Stone Artefacts: an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century

1999

Journal Article

Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge: Site report

Eales, Tony, Westcott, Catherine, Lilley, Ian, Ulm, Sean, Brian, Deborah and Clarkson, Chris (1999). Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge: Site report. Queensland Archaeological Research, 11, 29-42.

Roof Fall Cave, Cania Gorge: Site report

1999

Journal Article

Big Foot Art Site, Cania Gorge: Site report

Westcott, Catherine, Lilley, Ian, Ulm, Sean, Clarkson, Chris and Brian, Deborah (1999). Big Foot Art Site, Cania Gorge: Site report. Queensland Archaeological Research, 11, 43-58. doi: 10.25120/qar.11.1999.86

Big Foot Art Site, Cania Gorge: Site report

1998

Journal Article

Pleistocene Aboriginal occupation at Cania Gorge, Central Queensland: preliminary results of fieldwork

Lilley, Ian, Brian, Deborah, Clarkson, Chris and Ulm, Sean (1998). Pleistocene Aboriginal occupation at Cania Gorge, Central Queensland: preliminary results of fieldwork. Archaeology in Oceania, 33 (1), 28-31. doi: 10.1002/j.1834-4453.1998.tb00397.x

Pleistocene Aboriginal occupation at Cania Gorge, Central Queensland: preliminary results of fieldwork

1994

Other Outputs

A technological investigation into the beginnings of systematic blade production at Garnawala 2, Northern Territory

Clarkson, Chris (1994). A technological investigation into the beginnings of systematic blade production at Garnawala 2, Northern Territory. Honours Thesis, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2020.459

A technological investigation into the beginnings of systematic blade production at Garnawala 2, Northern Territory

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    The impact of sea level rise on humans in Indonesia and the origins of new rock art styles, technological change and seafaring. Stage 1: Partner Meetings and Workshops in Jakarta
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Rock art, archaeology and climate change in the Meikinj Valley, Western Arnhem Land
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    When did modern humans first reach Australia? New Excavations at Malangangerr, Kakadu National Park
    National Geographic Society
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Establishing the antiquity and quantity of pigment processing at Madjedbebe
    Rock Art Australia Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Zooming In, Zooming Out: High-Definition Multi-Scalar Technologies in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Environment
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    New Archaeological Investigations at Ancient Sites in Kakadu National Park
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Ochre Origins: analysing early evidence of the human colonisation of Sahul
    Australian Synchrotron Access Program
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Operationalising research collections in archaeological science and museum studies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013
    AMS Radiocarbon dating of ancient hearths associated with burials, early occupation, grindstones and ground edge axes at Malakunanja II
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Building Capacity in Experimental and Scientific Archaeology at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Archaeology of rock art in Jawoyn country, western Arnhem Land (ARC Linkage Project administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2012
    A social science e-research hub for data management, analysis and dissemination in material and visual culture
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Analysis of the Lithic Assemblage from Mt Gellibrand
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Archaeological survey of 75 km of easement - Calvale
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Archaeological survey of 45 km of easement - Bouldercombe
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Modern Human Origins and Early Behavioural Complexity in Australia and South East Asia
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    New directions and capacity building in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    ResTeach 2011 0.1 FTE School of Social Science
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Enhanced field and laboratory microscopy and spectroscopy facilities for understanding past and current environmental changes in Geographical and Archaeological Sciences
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Characterisation of chert quarries and the archaeology of the Hiri Trade System, Gulf Province Lowlands, PNG
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Assessing lithic evidence for the impact of the Toba super-eruption (74,000 years ago) on long-term cultural, biological and ecological histories on the Indian subcontinent
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Creating new research opportunities in archaeological & anthropological science
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The African origins of Asian and Australian lithic technologies: Exploring modern human origins and dispersals using new techniques of core analysis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Modelling Early Human Diversity and Dispersal Routes Using Quantitative Analysis of Palaeolithic Core Technologies
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Chris Clarkson is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Analysis of stone artefact assemblages or experimental archaeology

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hidden in the Haematite: patterns of continuity and change reflected in the selection, production and use of haematite at Madjedbebe, Arhmen Land, Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Seed grinding in traditional Aboriginal Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Aboriginal and Environmental Interactions in Northern Australia: A faunal analysis of Malangangerr

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alison Crowther, Associate Professor Tiina Manne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterising damage to bone by Sarcophilus harrisii, Dasyurus maculatus and Dasyurus viverrinus in Australian archaeological assemblages

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Tiina Manne

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Professor Chris Clarkson directly for media enquiries about:

  • Archaeology
  • Human Evolution
  • Indigenous Archaeology
  • Stone Tools

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au