The Laboratory for Experimental Archaeology (LEXA) is pleased to announce a new seminar series, Advances in Experimental Archaeology. This monthly seminar will showcase cutting-edge research in experimental archaeology from both within ICArEHB and the broader field. The topics will cover a wide range of experimental approaches, focusing on the technologies and processes that have shaped human evolution and the archaeological record. We aim to offer something of interest to everyone.

Each seminar will take place live at the CRIA seminar room on the first Tuesday of every month at 14:00 and will also be streamed online via Zoom. The series is open to ICArEHB staff, students, and a broader public audience online. Feel free to share within your networks. 

We will send out monthly emails to advertise the next talk, but you can also sign up to the online session and to get email updates here: https://www.icarehb.com/lexa/

The first seminar will take place on November 5th, featuring a talk by Li Li (ICArEHB).

Insights from Controlled Experiments for Studying Past Human Behavior

Abstract

Experimentation is a key component of lithic studies, providing researchers with a platform to systematically replicate past stone tool technologies. Controlled mechanical experiments, using mechanical apparatuses and standardized materials, allow researchers to isolate and manipulate different knapping variables to study their effects on flaking. This approach connects basic rock fracture mechanics with specific knapping gestures, generating results that can be broadly applied to interpret the archaeological record and reconstruct knapping behaviors.

Each ERC project brings with it a budget of €1.5 million, which will largely be allocated to new hires at UAlg and fieldwork directly related to these projects. This achievement marks the fourth and fifth ERC grants awarded to ICArEHB in just three years, establishing the center as a unique research hub within UAlg and a standout institution in Portugal for archaeology and human evolution.

These grants further solidify ICArEHB’s and UAlg’s reputation as one of the premier locations worldwide for studying human evolution. The center has attracted an exceptional concentration of leading researchers, many of whom contribute significantly to the Master’s and PhD programs at UAlg, elevating its educational capabilities to a level unmatched in the country.

The arrival of researchers from esteemed institutions like the Max Planck Institute (Germany) and the University of Zurich (Switzerland) to ICArEHB underscores the potential of Portugal and the Algarve to become a hub of knowledge-driven economic growth. However, realizing this potential will require continued investment and strategic decisions by local and national authorities. While the ERC-PT Careers program by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is a positive step, further efforts are needed at the university and local administration levels to foster an environment where such world-class research can thrive.


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