The synchronization research programme (SCIEM2000) is a major project of the Austrian Academy. It relies not only on projects sponsored on its own but also on initiatives and projects organized by other institutions. So far initiatives have been taken by Harald Hauptmann and Felix Blocher for Asia Minor and by Paolo Matthiae and other colleagues for the region of Syria. The volume of necessary research is very large and needs an optimal cooperation of all interested bodies The research programme is planned for ten years.

This conference has the main goal to boost international cooperation in chronology research on the second Millennium BC. It should also serve as a counseling platform for the organizer in which way to proceed in the future. We therefore would like to ask those participants who are going to deliver a lecture to focus on the chronology issue. Time for lectures is kept very short in order to prolong the discussion phase. Therefore the individual lectures should not exceed 15 minutes.

It is not necessary that all participants offer a lecture. Their expertise is needed however in discussion and initiatives. Discussion in scientific as well as in organizational matters is considered to be the main task of this conference. Suggestions on organizational matters in future cooperation are very much appreciated.

Co-ordinator
Tel.: +43-1-515 81 6101
Fax: + 43-1-515 81 6114
email: angela.schwab@assoc.oeaw.ac.at.

The European Commission
High-level Scientific Conferences: *SCIEM2000-Econf1