31/08/2026
Ghent Organises the World’s Largest Archaeology Congress
In 2029, Ghent University (UGent) will host the congress of the EAA European Association of Archaeologists. For several days, the congress will make Ghent and Flanders the international epicentre of the archaeological world. The event is expected to bring 3,000 to 4,000 archaeologists, heritage specialists and policymakers from around the world to Ghent. It will be the first time the congress is held in Belgium.
A First for Flanders
The Department of Archaeology at UGent joined forces with the Onroerend Erfgoed, the Flanders Convention Bureau, GentCongres and partners from the Flemish archaeological sector to bring this international flagship event to Flanders.
“The fact that the world’s largest archaeology congress is coming to Ghent and that UGent has been chosen as the host institution is a special recognition of our department and of the archaeological research being carried out here,” says Wim De Clercq, Professor of Archaeology at UGent. “It offers us a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge internationally while also demonstrating how strong, critical and innovative archaeological research can contribute to our understanding of the past as well as to current societal challenges.”(translated from Dutch)
With more than 15,000 members, the European Association of Archaeologists is the world’s largest international professional association for archaeologists. For 30 years, the EAA has organised an annual congress, each time in a different European host city. The congress is considered the high point of the archaeological calendar and brings together 3,000 to 4,000 archaeologists, heritage specialists and policymakers from around the world.
Archaeology for Everyone
In the run-up to and during “EAA Ghent/Flanders 2029”, an ambitious public programme will be offered, with activities taking place throughout Flanders. The congress will therefore not only serve as a meeting place for archaeologists and heritage professionals, but also as an opportunity to bring archaeology closer to the wider public.
“This will be much more than a scientific gathering. We want to make archaeology accessible and relevant to a broad audience and involve as many people as possible in the rich history that lies beneath our feet,” says Wim De Clercq.(translated from Dutch)
High-Quality Archaeological Research
Archaeologists dig, both literally and figuratively, into stories about humanity and its past every day. Through high-quality research, scientists translate these stories into knowledge that is relevant to contemporary society. During “EAA Ghent/Flanders 2029”, researchers, heritage professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders will discuss, among other things, the role archaeology can play in our society. What are the minimum quality standards for archaeological research? What tools are needed in a constantly changing social and technological context?
The presence of thousands of experts from Belgium and abroad will provide Flanders with a unique opportunity to raise its international profile, foster new collaborations, and draw global attention to the importance of archaeology and heritage.
“We should certainly be proud of the often pioneering work carried out by our archaeologists,” says Minister for Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts. “Congresses of this kind bring significant economic added value and also create opportunities for our Flemish archaeologists.” (translated from Dutch)
Images
The area around Ghent’s Boekentoren and St Peter’s Square is home not only to a rich archaeological heritage; between 12 and 15 September 2029, it will become the epicentre of European archaeology with the arrival of the EAA Annual Meeting. (Photo: Stad Gent)
Every day, archaeologists carefully uncover and interpret the past and share this knowledge with everyone. At the EAA Annual Meeting in Ghent, the European archaeological community will reflect on how quality can be placed even more centrally in archaeological research. (Photo: Hugo Vermeren / UGent)
https://www.ugent.be/nl/actueel/ugent-organiseert-grootste-archeologiecongres-ter-wereld.htm
