GIA and Society

The Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA) of the University of Groningen has been the knowledge centre on the archaeology of the northern part of the Netherlands since its establishment in 1920. We also conduct research in the Mediterranean area, Southwest Asia and the Circumpolar North. From the start we have been firmly rooted in the regions we work in and well-connected to society at large. High time for a renewed introduction.

For us archaeology is an important societal factor. We carry out fundamental scientific research that relates to important current themes such as migration, sustainable living with a rising sea level, attitudes to death and identity politics, the relations between human societies and the natural environment, and the preservation of archaeological heritage.

We share and debate knowledge. We do this because we are inspired by our contacts with people with a different background or professional training. We aim to inspire people with our scientific results about people that may have lived different lives but, just like us, build their own communities. We want to discuss our insights, because the debate allows the creation of new knowledge and leads to better understanding of contrasting viewpoints and interests. Our world-class laboratories in archaeobotany and archaezoology play a central role in dissemination: we support colleagues from commercial firms in their analysis and laymen alike.

We collaborate. Together we are stronger. We believe that collaboration with non-academic partners (governments, organisations, persons) makes archaeology more relevant and accessible to all. We train our (PhD) students to be 21st century professionals. This means that they are aware of their role as archaeological specialist in governmental organisations and private firms. Our students understand that archaeology is a present-day practice and are capable to translate scientific knowledge to a story tailored to the expectations of our partners.