The EU’s first ‘Teaming for Excellence’ grant in the field of archaeology includes 2.5 million euros for Kiel.
Kiel University (CAU) is one of the world’s leading centres for archaeology. This is demonstrated not only by its repeated success in the German Excellence Strategy with the ROOTS Cluster
but also in international comparisons such as the QS World University Rankings. The European Union has now approved a joint ‘Teaming for Excellence’ proposal from the CAU and the University of the Algarve (UAlg) in Portugal. Under the coordination of UAlg, the CAU as partner institution will support the Portuguese university in establishing a European Centre of Excellence for technological innovation in the field of archaeological heritage. The EU is funding the partnership with a total of 15 million euros. 2.5 million euros of this are intended for Kiel.
A historic success for the CAU and the UAlg
“The University of the Algarve and the CAU have been long-standing partners within the SEA-EU alliance. The fact that the EU has approved our joint ‘Teaming for Excellence’ application is a historic success for both institutions. On the one hand, the decision confirms the CAU’s excellent international reputation in the field of archaeology. On the other hand, the funding gives us the opportunity to strengthen our own structures and expand them in collaboration with our colleagues in Portugal,” says Professor Ralph Schneider, CAU Vice-President responsible for internationalisation.
The funding that has now been approved marks the first ‘Teaming for Excellence’ grant ever awarded by the EU in the field of archaeology. It is also the first ‘Teaming for Excellence’ application in which the CAU has been involved. “We are all the more delighted by this success,” emphasises Dr Michaela Ecker, the lead archaeologist of this project from the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology at Kiel University (CAU).
Technologies for applied solutions in archaeology
The aim of the German-Portuguese project is to establish a self-sustaining innovation centre named ‘UAlgTec Heritage’ in the Algarve. It will develop technologies that translate scientific findings from archaeology into practical solutions for spatial planning, cultural tourism, the creative industries and climate adaptation for archaeological sites.
The institutions involved at the Kiel University, such as the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence, the Johanna Mestorf Academy and the Research Focus Area Societal, Cultural, and Environmental Change (SECC), contribute their expertise in supporting early-career researchers, recruitment and organisational structures for excellent research.
Complementary laboratory facilities in Kiel and the Algarve
“At the same time, we will use the funding to expand existing laboratory facilities in Kiel, particularly with a view to the ARCWorlds research centre currently planned for Kiel,” explains Michaela Ecker. Among other things, this will create infrastructure that enables further research into early human history during the Palaeolithic era.
“This area has been relatively under-represented in Kiel to date, but it is a key focus at UAlg. The EU funding gives us the opportunity to create complementary structures at both locations,” adds Ecker, who heads an Emmy Noether research group on early human development in Southern Africa.
In the field of science communication, too, the collaboration aims to explore new areas with the help of modern technology.
In addition to the two universities, the Portuguese archaeology company Arqueologia S.A. and the Ireland-based technology consultancy Zartis Ltd. are also partners in the project. Part of the project, which has now been approved and is set to begin in early 2027, is a culture and technology festival that will be held in Kiel at least once over the next six years.
“I am very much looking forward to the collaboration and the new opportunities resulting from it,” emphasises Michaela Ecker.
Original Press Release published here
