Dr Mark McLean is a historical archaeologist whose research sits at the intersection of colonial history, archaeology and digital technology. He completed his PhD at the University of New England, where he examined how artificial intelligence, knowledge graphs and large-scale historical datasets can be used to better understand Australia’s colonial past.

His work focuses on ensuring that historical context remains central when digital tools are applied to archival records. This includes developing methods to identify bias, reduce misleading AI-generated outputs, and create more reliable digital research environments. Combining archaeological research with an executive career in technology and asset management, Mark specialises in building knowledge networks that connect people, places and historical records in meaningful ways.

Mark has published in Labour History, Historical Methods, and the Australian Journal of Biography and History. He has also collaborated on heritage research projects with organisations such as ANSTO, applying scientific and computational methods to the study of historical materials and cultural collections.

OrcID