HERI spotlight: Robyn Humphreys

Robyn Humphreys is a doctoral student in the Department of Archaeology at The University of Cape Town (UCT). Under the co-supervision of HERI's Deputy Director Rebecca Ackermann, her work looks at evolution and the role of hybridisation. Her other supervisors are HERI executive members Dr Jayne Wilkins and Wendy Black.

“Robyn is tackling a complex issue in bioanthropology and archaeology – human remains and scientific practice in contemporary South Africa,” says Ackermann.

“Her important work hones in on the relationship between scientists and community stakeholders, focussing on a topic that to many is both spiritually sensitive and an issue of justice. It is a timely piece of work, and we’re really excited to see her results.”

Humphreys also works to create communities and meaningful spaces within her department. She organises its Journal Club, inviting guests with various experiences in archaeology to share their experience, their career paths and engage with students.

She is also a vocal advocate for diversity in science and addressing the legacies of racism and colonialism in archaeology. Her latest venture DiggingInZA, is a new podcast on African palaeosciences and the black experience in science.

1. What excites you most about the palaeosciences?

The most exciting aspect of palaeosciences in South Africa is our rich fossil record. We have so many amazing fossils to be proud of and I am excited about the research being done by young black scientists like Nomawethu Hlazo, Lauren Schroeder, Silindokuhle Mavuso and Kim Tommy to name a few – and there are so many more.

I think they will inspire future scientists but also South Africans to learn more about this rich heritage. I am also excited by some of the changes that I am seeing in the discipline and the push for transformation in demographics as well as practice.

2. Describe your research in three words.

Community-centred research

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

I draw inspiration from my supervisors – Professor Rebecca Rogers Ackermann is one of them. I don't think many people can say they are in a lab that is composed mainly of women, with many of them being people of colour. 

My other supervisor, Dr June Bam Hutchison, has also been amazing in terms of transforming how I think about community-centred archaeology and is a major inspiration, as well as Dr Wendy Black, who works in the museum space and has been changing things slowly but surely.

Institutions such as the District Six Museum have also been an inspiration because of the character of the institution. It has challenged me to be deeply self-reflective about myself and the discipline of archaeology.

4. What has been your biggest academic challenge?

My biggest academic challenge has been having palaeoscientists and archaeologists engage with the political aspects of their research.

There is often resistance to this, and they often take refuge in the idea of scientific objectivity. This doesn't help when we are trying to grapple with issues of power which uphold structural racism and unequal power dynamics between communities and researchers.

5. What is the soundtrack to your studies?

Kyiv by Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes is great to write to.