This spring, PROSPECT had the pleasure of hosting a six‑week research stay by Sarah Bäumler, a PhD researcher from Kiel University working within the WEAVE project “Drowned Villages of the Scheldt.” This international collaboration among PROSPECT partners, universities of Ghent, Vienna, and Kiel, focuses on mapping and understanding the submerged late medieval village landscapes of the Eastern Scheldt estuary.

“During my six‑week stay in February and March 2026, I focused on magnetometry data collected with both drone‑based and ground‑based systems. My goal was to test different processing procedures, compare the datasets, and work toward a robust and consistent analytical workflow that can better support archaeological interpretation in these complex intertidal environments.
Working closely with leading experts in archaeological prospection provided me with valuable insights. I gained exposure to different approaches for code storage and sharing, picked up new tips and tricks in GIS data management, and benefited greatly from the opportunity to collaborate closely on scientific writing.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Professor Philippe De Smedt and the entire research group. A special thanks goes to Dr. Jeroen Verhegge for the warm welcome, the hospitality, and the many fruitful discussions—ranging from magnetometry processing strategies to recommendations for local tourist spots.“
If you’re keen to explore a research stay at a PROSPECT member, please don’t hesitate to contact us via prospect@ugent.be.