Workshop Current Research in Stable Isotope Analysis – 2 December 2024

Date: 2 December 2024

Location: University of Groningen – Room 002, Oude Boteringestraat 34, 9712 GK Groningen

Credits: 1/2 ECT

Stable isotope analysis has become an essential component of (bio)archaeological research. It offers a range of valuable applications that help reconstruct past human behaviors and environments, including insights into past diets, mobility and migration patterns, subsistence strategies, and environmental conditions. This workshop aims to bring together those working on isotopic analyses in archaeology to share current and ongoing projects and research in this field. It will be an opportunity to present current and ongoing research but there will also be a strong emphasis on discussion to enable students to ask for advice on their projects, to allow for networking and connections to be made and developed, to share knowledge on current research, and to discuss future opportunities and developments. For students who are not (yet) working on stable isotopic research, it will be an opportunity for them to be introduced to the diverse applications of stable isotope analysis in archaeology, as well as to get a good understanding of current projects and the present state of the discipline. This workshop will highlight the critical role of stable isotopes in advancing our understanding of past societies and their interactions with the environment.

Programme

The workshop takes place between 11:00 and 17:00 and will consist of a keynote lecture by Professor Michael Richards (Simon Fraser University and Senior Visiting Fellow at the Groningen Institute of Archaeology 2024), a keynote lecture by Dr Nathalie Ø. Brusgaard (Leiden University), lightning presentations by attendees, and a roundtable discussion (questions on specific current research, opportunities for advice, and a discussion on the state of the discipline and future directions). Please register using the link below for full programme details.

Credits:

For 2 ECTS

Attending the workshop and writing a report (max. 3000 words) demonstrating an understanding of the basic principles and applications of stable isotope analysis in archaeology and an overview of current trends and ongoing work (particularly at Dutch universities) based on the presentations during the workshop AND supplementary reading (they must seek additional bibliography themselves following the workshop). Introductory reading on the basic principles will be provided and will need to be read ahead of the event for those who are new to stable isotope analysis. For those already working on stable isotopic studies, they will be required to give a lightning presentation on their ongoing research (or plans if it is still in that phase).

For 1 ECTS

Students can do the introductory reading OR give a lightning presentation (as outlined above), attend the workshop in person, and write a short report on the workshop (1000-1500 words).

Reports should be sent to secretary@archonline.nl following the workshop and should state whether it is for 1 or 2 ECTS.

Introductory reading:

Britton K. 2020. Isotope Analysis for Mobility and Climate Studies. In: Richards, M.P. & Britton, K., eds. Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 99-124.

Richards M.P. 2020. Isotope Analysis for Diet Studies. In: Richards, M.P. & Britton, K., eds. Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 125-144.
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139013826

Registration: Please register using this form.