Archaeology can and should be an active agent in building bridges between the past, present, and future. With the launch of the initiative »Future Archaeology« in 2024, a new thematic focus is being developed, designed to serve as a cross-disciplinary research framework integrating all departments, research groups, and infrastructures of the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI). The aim is to establish an organized platform for strategic discussions, events, projects, and publications that strengthen the intellectual collaboration among OeAI researchers, actively contribute to contemporary debates, and address pressing societal issues.

Thematic Priorities

Archaeology in the future

This thematic area explores how archaeology might evolve in the future and what role it should assume in a rapidly changing world. Key topics include the relevance of archaeological research, the integration of new methodologies such as artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary approaches, and reflections on societal issues such as nationalism, sexism, and discrimination within the discipline.

Archaeology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Archaeology provides unique perspectives on long-term social, cultural, and economic developments, as well as the sustainable use of resources. This thematic focus examines the intersection of archaeological research with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the advancement of sustainable excavation methods, and the creation of platforms for critical reflection on contemporary challenges.

Planned Activities (2024–2026)

The initiative encompasses a wide range of discussion formats, workshops, and publications. Topics include sustainable archaeology (»Green Excavations«), addressing discrimination and equality in the field, new theoretical approaches in archaeology, and critical engagement with nationalism and politically sensitive research questions. The overarching goal is to develop concrete concepts and models that further establish archaeology as a socially relevant discipline.

Significance of the Initiative

Future Archaeology links historical research with present and future challenges. It provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and contributes to positioning archaeology as an active and formative force in shaping the future.