Momentum delegate Youri van den Hurk

I have just joined the University Museum - University of Bergen, as an associate professor in Osteology. Previously I have undertaken postdoctoral research in Japan and France, and I have previously held a Marie Curie postdoctoral position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. I gained my PhD from University College London in 2020. 

My previous work has primarily focused on the zooarchaeological, biomolecular, and historical ecology studies of whale populations in the North Atlantic. Whaling has been undertaken for millennia, resulting in many whale species being endangered. In order to create effective conservation measures and protect whales, a better understanding of past whaling activities is necessary. Zooarchaeology can provide such valuable deep-time empirical data. It is this intersection of research fields—zooarchaeology and conservation—that I have dedicated my career to. 

At UiB, I intend to continue this line of research and invigorate biomolecular research possibilities and research into our past relationship with the ocean and its lifeforms. In addition, I am a board member of the Oceans Past Initiative, an initiative which generates insight into the past to guide evidence-based actions for healthier oceans and sustainable societies.