About
The Symposium of Young Archaeologists (SoYA) is an international, one-day symposium created by and for early-career researchers. It offers a space to present original research, exchange ideas across sub-fields, and build the kind of connections that shape a career long after the day itself is over.
SoYA brings together students, PhD candidates, and early-career professionals for a single day of talks, discussion, and exchange. Each edition is built around a central theme — for 2027, Shifting the Narrative — that shapes the research presented and the conversations that follow.
SoYA is open to anyone at the start of their archaeological career, including:
SoYA is organised by a committee of students and early-career archaeologists who believe the future of the field is shaped by the people entering it now. We aim to create a low-barrier, welcoming space where new ideas — and the people behind them — are taken seriously.
The committee organising SoYA 2027.
Zoë
Chair
[PLACEHOLDER — PRONOUNS TO BE PROVIDED]
Elliott
Secretary
[PLACEHOLDER — PRONOUNS TO BE PROVIDED]
Athos
Treasurer
[PLACEHOLDER — PRONOUNS TO BE PROVIDED]
Amber
Head of Logistics & Volunteers
she/her
Lila Luna
Network Manager
[PLACEHOLDER — PRONOUNS TO BE PROVIDED]
SoYA is officially registered as a stichting (foundation) with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). We're run entirely by student and early-career volunteers — no one on the board is paid. Donations help fund cheaper ticket prices for attendees, goodie bags, and food and drinks on the day. Any surplus stays within SoYA to support the next edition of the symposium.
