2027 Theme

Shifting the Narrative

Every archaeological field is defined by its own longstanding narratives. These narratives can enrich and drive research, but also limit it along established lines. Early career researchers can bring new perspectives, connections, and ideas, and so challenge or help shape new narratives in archaeology. At the 2027 SoYA Symposium, we would like to draw attention to ways that young researchers are contributing research along new or underexplored lines of inquiry.

This year, we would like to welcome contributions that are shifting the narrative on…

Shifting the narrative on…

How archaeology is done

This includes new or underutilised methods, new or newly applied frameworks or interdisciplinary approaches.

What is being told

Research that is shifting the types of questions being asked, as well as research with a focus on effective science communication approaches.

Who is doing research

Research from marginalised researchers or minorities in the field, as well as community-based approaches.

Why we do archaeology

How archaeology can address current issues such as climate change, and the impact of political instability and heritage destruction on archaeology.

Possible questions & research topics

Questions to consider

(Shifting Stories) How can existing archaeological theories be adapted and tested in new situations — and what happens when the results don't match what the theory predicts?
(Shifting Subjects) How can theories, methods, or approaches from other disciplines be incorporated into archaeological research?
(New Narratives) How does an archaeological study, find, or subtopic affect society, and how should that impact be communicated?
(New Narration) How can oral history and phenomenology help nuance "classic" archaeological narratives and unsettle stereotypes?
(Shifting Priorities) How can archaeology offer a new perspective on contemporary issues?

Example research topics

(Shifting Stories) Testing craft production theory on a group of experimental archaeologists, whose results didn't reflect the craftsmanship expected of Iron Age producers under that theory.
(Shifting Subjects) Incorporating machine learning into archaeological databases, and examining archaeologists' perceptions of and reactions to this shift.
(New Narratives) The excavation of a Spanish Civil War mass grave, which drew archaeologists into local reparations initiatives and reshaped their practices and protocols over the course of the dig.
(New Narration) Using oral histories and phenomenology to study rural archaeological site networks.
(Shifting Priorities) Drawing on Maya archaeology to advise communities on rebuilding communication networks after a specific climate disaster.

Have research that shifts the narrative?

Submit an abstract