Discover Cutting-Edge Archaeology Research at Queen’s
A scientifically informed understanding of the past significantly informs the present and guides us towards a more sustainable future.
Archaeology and Palaeoecology is where you will find a future in the past. Today, Queen’s is recognised as an international leader in these fields.
We undertake cutting-edge research on societal and environmental change in the past and explore their impacts on life today. Our expertise in heritage management, scientific, community and digital archaeology is complemented by ground-breaking palaeoenvironmental and chronological research, and supported by the Centre for Community Archaeology and the 14CHRONO Centre for Climate, the Environment and Chronology.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Understanding climate change relies on long records of past climate behaviour, which can be interpreted from sedimentary archives such as peat bogs, lake sediments or ice cores. This research allows for a more robust response to climate change threats worldwide, having profound implications for the wider development of many countries.
ADVANCEMENTS IN RADIOCARBON DATING
Carbon dating has revolutionised how we study the history of humanity and the planet. Through the establishment of a ramped pyroxidation laboratory and by providing the means to correct radiocarbon ages for changes over time, research at Queen’s allows for a more intense understanding archaeological discoveries.
COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY
The Centre for Community Archaeology at Queen's University undertakes outreach activities with local communities across Northern Ireland. The centre enables volunteer adults and school children to participate in archaeological fieldwork projects through community-based excavations, while facilitating the involvement of local people in the study of their local heritage.
The centre is aligned with the Belfast Young Archaeologists' Club and with the Ulster Archaeological Society. The former offers young enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about archaeology through monthly meetings and fieldtrips, while the latter has a long-standing relationship with Queen's and hosts lectures, fieldtrips and fieldwork events.
WORLD HERITAGE
Researchers from Queen’s University Archaeology and Paleoecology disciplines are working directly with communities across the world, engaging with heritage organisations such as the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS, IUCN, The National Trust as well as corporate and government ministries. Their work has brought significant scientific depth and technological advance to the understanding and sharing of the world's heritage, and promotion of its future sustainability.
LANDSCAPE CONTEXT
Queen’s conducts impactful research into both environmental and human/animal influence on our landscape and waters, helping us to gain a better understanding of often understudied areas of prehistory.
BIOARCHAEOLOGY
Researchers at Queen’s are involved in significant bioarchaeological research, addressing questions about the history of life across our planet through the study of organic remains.
- Takabuti Research Project
- New research suggests that the Vikings brought leprosy to Ireland
- Iconic Dinosaur’s injuries come to light through Queen’s-led research
- Ancient DNA Reveals Inbreeding Among the Dynastic Elite of Neolithic Ireland
- Ballyhanna Research Project
- Ranelagh Osteoarchaeology Project - TII Heritage Series
- Genetic causes of bone tumours discovered in 1,000-year-old Irish skeletons