Call for Applications
Bridging Heritage and Hope Pilot Programme 2026
Supporting Young Archaeologists from
Conflict-Affected Regions
The European
Association of Archaeologists is pleased to launch the Bridging Heritage and
Hope scholarship programme, offering opportunities for Master’s
students, PhD candidates, and early-career archaeologists from conflict
and post-conflict regions in Europe and the Mediterranean to participate in
the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) Annual Meeting.
Eligible regions include, but are not limited to:
Syria, Palestine,
Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Armenia,
and Azerbaijan; regions experiencing armed conflict, occupation, or
post-conflict recovery.
About the Programme
This
initiative is rooted in the belief that archaeology and cultural heritage can
serve as powerful tools for peace building. We therefore offer this as a special
opportunity for young professionals who face barriers to connect with each
other, and to access international academic networks due to conflict,
displacement, or limited resources. We hope to see some of our young colleagues
with experience from working in the aforementioned areas joining us to share
their knowledge and experience at one of the most important global gatherings
in the field—the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) Annual Meeting to give presentations at the special round table, the programme promotes:
- Inclusion
and representation of archaeologists from conflict zones
- Heritage-based
peacebuilding and dialogue
- Professional
growth, networking, and exchange
- Strengthened
connections between European institutions and affected regions
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s
or PhD students in archaeology
- Early-career
archaeologists (within 5 years of graduation)
- Individuals
from or currently living in the eligible conflict/post-conflict regions
- Applicants
must demonstrate commitment to cultural heritage protection
Applications shall be divided
into two tiers:
Tier 1: Post-conflict regions with established
peaceful relations
Tier 2: Active conflict zones, requiring
additional documentation and strict confidentiality protocols for
applicant safety
What the invitation for the participation Provides
- Registration
fee waiver (supported by the EAA)
- Coverage
for travel and accommodation for 10-12 participants (depending on available funding)
- Mentoring
and networking opportunities
Application Requirements
- Short
CV (max. 2 pages)
- Motivation
letter (max. 1 page)
- Proof
of academic status
- Title
of presentation with a short abstract (250 words) describing research or
heritage work
- Optional:
Recommendation letter
Applications
should be submitted to:
📩 EAA Senior Manager Sylvie
Kvetinova: [email protected]
Selection Process
A joint
panel from Heritage for Peace and the EAA will review
applications, based on academic merit, motivation, relevance to heritage in
conflict, and potential community impact.
Deadline
🗓️ 31 January 2026