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Research Dialogues 2023-2024

RESEARCH DIALOGUES is a competitive award that supports Durham Archaeology postgraduate researchers to lead workshops, symposia, seminar series or other stimulating events on timely and relevant topics.
Coloured text reading 'RESEARCH DIALOGUES 2023-24'

Labour Specialisation and Organisational Development of Ceramic Industries in China

Durham University archaeologists Xiaohang Song, Dr Ran Zhang and Professor Derek Kennet have recently published a new study into the complex development of the Chinese ceramic industry.
The dragon kiln structure is built on a slope near a mountain and river in South China, specifically in Longquan County, Zhejiang Province. It boasts a large capacity for loading ceramic firings. Photograph by Derek Kennet (2017).

International Women's Day 2024

The departments of Archaeology and Classics and Ancient History have teamed up to discuss everyday sexism for this year's International Women's Day.
International Women's Day Banner

Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp to be honoured with a Blue Plaque in South Tyneside

The Archaeology Department co-founder and pioneer will be recognised for her importance to local history and heritage.
Black and white image of Rosemary Cramp

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Archaeologists shed new light on children’s health during Industrial Revolution

Our archaeologists have helped shed new light on the health of children living in North East England during the Industrial Revolution.
A close up of a lower jawbone with deformed teeth

The inaugural class of the MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology graduates at Durham Cathedral: a groundbreaking moment

Under the Norman nave of Durham Cathedral, amidst the massive columns and rounded arches that impart a sense of solidity and timelessness, the students of the MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology of the Department of Archaeology have paraded one by one.
Group photo of 10 smiling people in formal dress standing outside a red brick building, spaced evenly around a metal building sign reading 'Durham University Anthropology Archaeology Dawson Building'. 8 of the 10 are also wearing black graduation gowns.

Celebrate Science 2023: Celebrating Science through Archaeology

Between the 31st October and 2nd November 2023, Durham University’s Archaeology staff and students provided a series of exciting hands-on activities at the Science and Engagement team’s annual celebration of science on Palace Green.
Volunteers from Archaeology in purple shirts talking to children and parents about different human and animal skulls. In the foreground is a full-size plastic teaching skeleton.

The Bishop Big Dig: Community Archaeology at the Times Higher Education Awards

In December 2023, representatives of The Bishop Big Dig project and Durham University attended the annual THE Awards Dinner, dubbed the 'Oscars of higher education'. Congratulations once again to The Bishop Big Dig project, shortlisted for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community'.
Group photo of 10 smiling people in black tie standing in front of a board featuring different company logos.

Tooth analysis reveals Roman child travelled thousands of miles to Britain

Our archaeologists have helped establish that a male born in the Roman period (AD 43-410) travelled thousands of miles to Britain as a child.
A female researcher examining a Roman tooth in a laboratory

Steppe Sisters: Supporting women and underrepresented groups in academia

Durham Archaeology staff and students visited the University of York on 21 October to participate in the first annual meeting and lecture of the Steppe Sisters Network.
In person participants at the Steppe Sisters Annual Meeting including Durham Archaeology’s Dr Kristen Hopper (chair of the Steppe Sisters Steering Committee), PhD Student Aiya Raissova (Steppe Sisters Steering Committee Member) and both past (Stefania Fiori) and current (Handegul Canli) visiting staff and students.

Late Prehistoric discovery turns archaeological assumptions on their head

For a team of archaeologists digging in south-west Spain, the discovery of a Bronze/Iron Age stela – a funerary stone slab with carvings depicting an important individual – would have been exciting enough. But to find a stela that challenges long-standing interpretations of how the carvings represent gender and social roles in prehistoric times, was beyond the teams’ wildest dreams.
Image shows when the stela, or stone carving, when it was discovered by the archaeological team in Spain.