SoYA 2026 (Symposium of Young Archaeologists) – 10 April 2026

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Date: 10 April 2026

Location: Van Steenis Building, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden

With its location at the intersection of the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, Archaeology is among the most diverse and wide-ranging fields of inquiry; the process of expanding the discipline’s horizon, with attention brought to areas away from the mainstream, is ever-growing. Therefore, the Symposium of Young Archaeologists would like to offer a platform for young academics conducting archaeological research on and of the margins.

This theme includes everything from new, different, and underutilized techniques or methodologies; research on those groups, periods, and regions that are often marginalized, overlooked, or understudied; and research in remote and inaccessible locations, such as geographically remote or generally hostile areas that require adaptation to increase the project’s feasibility (e.g., deserts, underwater archaeology and caves).

Additionally, the symposium aims to provide a space for young archaeologists on the margins of academia itself. For example, first-generation students, students part of a minority group (ethnic, religious, gender identity, sexuality, disabilities, etc.), or anything in between. This enriches the discipline by sharing experiences that diverge from the standard narrative and provides proactive spaces to promote and foster diversity and understanding within academia.

General programme:

9:30 – 10:00 Register and coffee / tea
10:00 – 10:30 Keynote speaker
10:30 – 11:30 First session
11:30 – 12:00 Coffee / tea break and poster presentations
12:00 – 13:00 Second session
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 Third session
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee / tea break and poster presentations
15:30 – 16:30 Fourth session
16:30 – 17:30 Drinks / borrel

Registration: 

In-person: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ79ycXOwh059KkKOfW1jZmb42VKj0_Mogsmex7M6gY0ehSg/viewform?usp=header

Online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ79ycXOwh059KkKOfW1jZmb42VKj0_Mogsmex7M6gY0ehSg/viewform?usp=header

Ects credits: ARCHON members can receive 1 ECT for attending the conference and handing in a reflection report afterwards. ARCHON members can also receive 1 additional ECT for presenting either a talk or a poster at the conference, by handing in their (Powerpoint) presentation or poster afterward. Both should be sent to secretary@archonline.nl within a month after the conference.