In our latest spotlight on the 2024–25 University Enterprise Fellows, we meet Dr Lucy Cramp, Associate Professor in Archaeology, whose work bridges the ancient world and cutting-edge analytical science. Lucy’s journey is a compelling example of how enterprise can emerge from deep disciplinary expertise—and how the UEF can provide the space and support to turn a thriving research niche into a sustainable, impactful technical service.

From Ancient Pots to Molecular Clues
Dr Lucy Cramp’s academic journey is a masterclass in interdisciplinary creativity. She started her academic journey studying archaeology and anthropology at Oxford, a selection she made informed by her strong interest in human behaviour, cultural practices, and identity— as such she describes herself as firmly rooted in the arts and humanities having dropped science subjects after GCSE stage. A glimpse into the applications and techniques of archaeological science late in her degree revealed that analytical chemistry could offer powerful tools to explore those very questions she was most interested in, and drew her back towards those sciences she thought she had left behind.
That spark led her to a master’s in archaeological science and then a PhD that used organic residue analysis to investigate how Roman pottery was used in Britain. This technique, which extracts molecular traces from ancient ceramics, allowed her to reconstruct what those vessels once held—offering direct insight into past diets, cultural exchanges, and even identity formation.
Her move to Bristol—initially to work in the School of Chemistry—placed her at the heart of a globally recognised hub for biomolecular archaeology. Over the past two decades, she has helped build a bridge between disciplines, establishing in-house archaeological chemistry facilities and fostering collaborations that span the arts and sciences. Today, Lucy is a leading figure in archaeological chemistry, working at the intersection of molecular science and cultural heritage.
Unlocking the Scientific Potential of the Past
Organic residue analysis opens a unique window into the past. By identifying the lipids and other organic compounds preserved in ancient pottery, researchers can determine what people were cooking, storing, or consuming—sometimes thousands of years ago. This method doesn’t just confirm assumptions; it challenges and refines them. It can reveal long-term dietary shifts, regional culinary traditions, and even religious practices, such as the absence of pork amongst medieval Jewish communities settled within English towns.
Despite its transformative potential, this technique has remained largely confined to academic institutions. The barriers— expensive, specialist equipment, technical expertise, and time-intensive analysis—have made it inaccessible to much of the heritage sector, including commercial archaeology units and museums. While Lucy’s colleagues had developed ad hoc analyses into a more routine external service over time, growing demand made it clear that a more structured, sustainable approach was needed.
That demand was already there: developer-funded archaeological units, museums, and international researchers were eager to access this powerful method. But the infrastructure to support it—staffing, pricing, business planning— needed an overhaul. “We had the technology, the demand, and the expertise,” Lucy explains. “But we needed the time and space to build something that could last.”
The University Enterprise Fellowship arrived at exactly the right moment. It gave Lucy the headspace to step back from day-to-day pressures and reimagine the service from the ground up. With support from colleagues in Chemistry and professional services, a robust business model, a sustainable staffing structure, and a clear pricing strategy was developed. The goal: to create a service that is not only scientifically rigorous but also accessible, scalable, and built to last.
From Service to Strategy: Building for the Long Term
For a time, a research associate in the School of Chemistry had offered the analysis as a service to external partners. But when that colleague moved on, Lucy and her collaborators faced a decision: let the service fade or reimagine it for the long term. They chose the latter.
Working with colleagues in Chemistry and supported by professional services staff, Lucy and co-lead Mélanie Roffet-Salque have led the transformation of the service into a robust, team-based operation. They’ve analysed past projects, mapped client needs, and developed a pricing model that balances accessibility with sustainability. “It’s been incredibly satisfying,” she says. “We’ve built something we’re really proud of.”
Alongside the business model, Lucy is also exploring ways to streamline the science. One major bottleneck is the manual interpretation of complex chemical data. “It’s time-consuming and labour-intensive,” she explains. “We’re exploring the use of semi-automated data processing tools to speed that up—without compromising quality.”
This innovation could make the service even more scalable and efficient, and it’s a key focus for the remainder of her Fellowship year.
Building a Centre, Building a Culture
Lucy also led a team that secured AHRC capital funding to establish a new centre that will provide access to archaeological chemistry for the wider heritage sector. The goal is to create a seamless, flexible service that can be accessed through commercial contracts, research collaborations, or public funding routes.
And it’s not just about the science. Lucy is passionate about the role of early-career researchers and professional services staff in the enterprise journey. “It’s been a real team effort,” she says. “And for many of the people involved, it’s their first experience of working at the interface of research and commercialisation. It’s opening up new perspectives and new skills.”
A Sustainable Future
Unlike many academic projects, this one isn’t designed to end after three years. “That’s been a big shift in mindset,” Lucy reflects. “We’re building something for the long term, not a fixed term project with a clearly defined end date, like most research projects. That means thinking ahead—about staffing, about market changes, about how we adapt. It’s a different way of working, but it’s really rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Lucy sees potential to expand the service, add new analytical techniques, and deepen its integration with both research and heritage practice. But for now, she’s focused on consolidating the foundations.
Advice for Future Fellows
Lucy’s advice to others considering the UEF? “Get the right people around you early. Don’t try to do it all yourself. The Fellowship gives you the time and the network to build something properly—and that makes all the difference.”
From ancient artefacts to cutting-edge analysis, Lucy’s work shows how enterprise can emerge from curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to build something new. Thanks to the UEF, that vision is becoming a reality—one pot at a time.
There’s still time to register for next week’s Festival of Enterprise via Develop, where you’ll get to hear from Lucy and our other Enterprise Fellows, alongside many more exciting talks and presentations!