Biomineralization in Medicine, Archaeology, and Cultural Heritage (BioMArCHER)
Short description
BioMArCHER – Biomineralization in Medicine, Archaeology, and Cultural Heritage – is a cross-disciplinary research and education initiative within the European university alliance EUTOPIA. The collaboration brings together universities in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Slovenia and operates at the intersection of biology, materials science, and medicine.
The project focuses on the analysis and interpretation of mineralised tissues such as bone and teeth in both modern and historical contexts. By applying advanced analytical methods including electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy, the collaboration contributes to knowledge development in healthcare, archaeology, forensic science, and cultural heritage research.
Research focus and potential applications
- Improved understanding of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency.
- Development and evaluation of biomaterials for implants and tissue regeneration.
- Advances in forensic science, including identification and trauma analysis.
- New insights into past human living conditions through archaeological remains.
- Enhanced interpretation and preservation of cultural heritage through knowledge of post-mortem changes.
Within BioMArCHER, research and education are integrated through research-based learning, international workshops, digital learning components, and student mobility. The University of Gothenburg participates in the collaboration together with the University of Warwick (United Kingdom), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia).
Co-funded by the European Union
EUTOPIA is partly funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
