We are delighted to announce that Dr Laura Evis has been appointed as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Laura, a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Exeter, has been a Trustee of Cotswold Archaeology since 2018 and Vice Chair since 2021.
As a forensic bioarchaeologist, Laura specialises in adapting and applying archaeological and anthropological techniques to help answer questions and solve problems in medico-legal investigations.
Laura studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Cardiff University and has an MSc and PhD in Forensic Archaeology from Bournemouth University. Since 2014, Laura has lectured at the University of Exeter, where she is the Director of the Forensic Anthropology MSc, Forensic Investigations MSc, and Archaeology with Forensic Science BSc programmes. She also serves as the Commercial Director of the SHArD 3D Laboratory. In addition to her work with Cotswold Archaeology, she also works with organisations including the Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences and Blake Emergency Services. She lives in Wiltshire and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI).
Laura said “I am delighted to have been elected chair of Cotswold Archaeology. I look forward to building on the strong legacy left by Tim Darvill, particularly our commitment to excellence in fieldwork and research, always “putting archaeology first”.
Cotswold Archaeology has grown considerably over the past five years, now employing over 300 archaeologists. The depth and breadth of archaeological expertise within the organisation is formidable, resulting in the production of high-quality outputs including public benefit initiatives, community engagement activities, publications, alongside technological innovations, and I am eager to build upon these successes as we develop our 2030 Strategy.
In 2025 we will also be commencing a search for new Trustees to further strengthen our Board. I look forward to welcoming these individuals to our team and working together to shape the future of Cotswold Archaeology.”
Chief Executive Neil Holbrook said “Laura is very familiar with the values and culture of Cotswold Archaeology, and over the last six years has become a well-liked Board member who commands the respect of both fellow Trustees and senior staff alike. I very much look forward to working with her and the Board as we develop our new forward strategy.”
