World Archaeo-Geophysics: Integrated minimally invasive approaches using country-based examples

About

Dr. Carmen Cuenca-García is a Distinguished Researcher (CIDEGENT) at the University of Valencia (UV) and holds a research affiliation with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her career in archaeology began at the UV (Spain 1993-1998) followed by seven years dedicated to rescue archaeology in Spain and the UK. Her commitment to geophysical prospection began with an MSc from Bradford University (England 2007-2008) followed by a PhD from the University of Glasgow (Scotland 2009-2013). Her professional pathway has been marked by research and consultancy positions in Greece (FORTH-IMS Rethymno-Crete 2013-2015) Austria (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization-CTBTO Vienna 2015-2016) and Norway (NTNU Trondheim 2017-2023). Her interdisciplinary research spanning archaeology applied geophysics and geosciences underscores the critical role of geophysical methods in archaeology and heritage management. She specialises in usinggeophysical techniques for the non-invasive discovery mapping and characterisation of archaeological sites and paleo-environments. A particular focus of her work has been on the development of field methods incorporating soil/deposits characterisation into archaeo-geophysical investigations to yield more detailed interpretations. Her extensive fieldwork encompasses a variety of archaeological sites from different eras across Scotland Greece Cyprus Spain Norway and Estonia contributing to the development of a rich portfolio of scientific publications reports and dissemination materials. Dr. Cuenca-García has successfully led several projects won through national and international competitive calls notably coordinating the COST Action SAGA. This project which rallied 115 experts to refine the use of geophysical and soil analytical methods in archaeology achieved significant progress despite pandemic-related challenges. Over four years it facilitated scientific collaboration through meetings training events conferences and research missions producing 53 scientific publications 15 research proposals and notably the SAGA Database. This database which catalogues research infrastructures and methodologies enhances equipment sharing and fosters collaboration among researchers. Actively engaged in the academic and research community she serves on scientific panels and conference committees performs reviews and editorial work for international journals and dedicates herself to teaching and mentoring. Dr. Andrei Asndulesei is a Senior Researcher/Archaeologist at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (ICI) with expertise in the area of prehistoric archaeology. His main responsibilities include non-invasive geophysical prospection aerial photography LiDAR/TLS interpretation and GIS applications in archaeology. He is closely interested in the analysis of the ancient human settling patters and internal spatial organisations ofsettlements in order to better understand the interdependence relation between communities and the environment. He has received several scholarships abroad as part of international multi-institutional research teams from Germany Austria France and Australia in which he had the possibility to conduct non-invasive field surveys in Kurdistan Iraq Azerbaijan Georgia Caucasus Russia Germany and the R. Moldova. As project manager he has coordinated two national grants: Non-destructive approaches to complex archaeological sites. An integrated applied research model for cultural heritage management (20142017) and Settling Selection Patterns and Settlement Layout Development in the Chalcolithic Cucuteni Culture of Northeastern Romania (2020-2022). His contributions are reflected in articles studies books and book chapters participation and organisation of conferences etc. Dr. Kelsey M. Lowe is a Principal Heritage Consultant/Archaeologist in BrisbaneAustralia. She is also affiliated as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland. Dr. Lowe is recognised internationally as a leader in the fields of cultural heritage management (CHM) archaeology archaeological geophysics and geographic information systems (GIS) and is one of Australias foremost archaeological geophysicist subject matter experts. She has over 30 journal publications on her research 50 technical reports and has presented her work nationally and internationally at conferences (+55) or guest lectures (39) throughout her career. She has also worked with several First Nations people in Australia specifically using science (geophysical technologies) and oral histories to understand cultural significant events of the past as part of heritage management. Outside Australia Dr Lowe has been involved in several international projects in Africa the Caribbean Europe Indonesia North and South America Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia. She was also appointed as a Scientific Recovery Expert (2018-2022) for identifying World War II plane crash sites for the US Defence (POW/MIS) Accounting Agency in Papua New Guinea.