York archaeologists in mission to protect Europe’s past
Posted on 11 December 2007
The University will play a pivotal role in a new European project to improve the study and practice of archaeology — and help to protect historic artefacts from destruction. The project is backed by the EU through its European Culture 2007 programme funding.
We are very proud to be at the heart of this exciting project
Professor Julian Richards
Working with institutions in ten other EU countries, staff from the University’s Department of Archaeology are setting out to reinvent how archaeologists across Europe interact with each other, share information, and communicate the importance of their work to the public.
As widespread urban development across the continent creates new roads, buildings and physical infrastructure, the job of archaeologists has become crucial: to identify and preserve important historical remains before they are lost forever. The new project, Archaeology in Contemporary Europe (ACE), is conceived as a response to the increasing importance of this so-called ‘rescue archaeology’.
The University of York’s Archaeology Data Service will provide a central hub for networking among European archaeologists, identifying key differences between how the science is practised in different regions, and paving the way for future EU-wide collaborations.
The ACE project also sets out to communicate the importance of its work to the general public through a series of planned books and publications, as well as a travelling exhibition, a new website and even a film festival.
Professor Julian Richards, Head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, said: "The process of development today poses severe threats to archaeological remains in Europe, which are by nature fragile and non-renewable. But it also provides a golden opportunity for increasing our level of collaboration, and teaching people about the importance of the work we do. York already has an international reputation in these areas, so we are very proud to be at the heart of this exciting project."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- More information on the University of York’s Department of Archaeology at www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/
- The ACE project brings together a range of archaeological services, university departments, research institutes and cultural operators from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary. Its four main objectives are:
- to provide a pan-European perspective on the work of archaeologists researching the past;
- to compare and jointly improve ways of working;
- to discuss the archaeological profession in today’s society, and issues such as its professional code of conduct;
- to reach out to the public, explaining the importance and the achievements of archaeology today.