Our Activities
The PROSPECT International Thematic Network brings together leading expertise in archaeological prospection to create an enduring, stimulating environment for research, education, and valorisation. These three pillars form the foundation of our mission to strengthen excellence in non‑invasive archaeological investigation and to promote sustainable engagement with buried cultural heritage.
Research
Research within PROSPECT focuses on advancing archaeological prospection as a driving force in sustainable heritage exploration and management. Our network brings together diverse international expertise—from earth and data sciences to archaeological theory—to refine and integrate sensor technologies, computational methods, and traditional archaeological practice. This integrated approach allows us to detect, characterize and evaluate traces of past human activity while promoting holistic understanding of the archaeological record.
Through collaborative initiatives and major events such as the International Conference on Archaeological Prospection (ICAP2025), PROSPECT provides a platform for presenting and discussing the latest advancements in geophysics, remote sensing, and archaeological data interpretation.
Education
Education is central to PROSPECT’s long‑term goals. The network aims to provide high‑quality, practical training for future archaeologists and prospectors. This includes hands‑on field courses, workshops, and international training formats such as ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programs, which offer students and early‑career researchers practical experience with state‑of‑the‑art prospection methods.
By building a diverse educational resource and fostering exchange between partner institutions, PROSPECT prepares the next generation to take on the scientific and societal challenges of sustainable heritage research.
Valorisation
Valorisation within PROSPECT connects research outcomes to societal needs by ensuring that prospection practices, results, and interpretations are shared with stakeholders and the broader public. The network promotes the sustainable use of archaeological data and encourages communication strategies that make prospection results accessible and meaningful.
Workshops co‑organized with cultural heritage agencies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and outreach activities help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and heritage management practice. These initiatives support long‑term stewardship of buried cultural resources and highlight the broader relevance of archaeological prospection in understanding the long‑term impacts of human activity on the environment.