INSPIRE
INteractive Support in understanding Prehistoric Innovations
through Research and Experiments
This initiative builds on a long-standing collaboration between TraceoLab, University of Liège, and the Prehistomuseum of Ramioul (Liège) and aims to provide an opportunity for researchers within the field of prehistoric archaeology to receive help in developing their experimental program. This help consists in technical, and material resources alongside experienced staff. The program is specifically designed for individuals who lack internal resources and/or the required experience, but who aspire to conduct experimental programs to develop their research. This opportunity is open to all researchers in prehistoric archaeology who work with lithics and applications from doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are particularly encouraged. All chronological periods involving lithic tools will be considered, but special attention will be devoted to proposals that concern Palaeolithic and Mesolithic research topics.
26th of August 2024:
INSPIRE @ Liège launches its first call for experimental research projects
For its inaugural call, TraceoLab will select different projects which can be executed between 15/10/2024 and 31/12/2025. All experimental programs will take place at the Prehistomuseum in Ramioul. Lodging on site can be provided at no cost (basic facilities).
Selected projects will receive all required support from TraceoLab to permit the successful realisation of the proposed experimental program.
Flint from local sources is available on-site, other required lithic materials have to be provided by the candidate, but guidance and assistance can be made available to a reasonable extent when needed. INSPIRE will take care of the required expertise to perform the program, both in terms of tool production (knappers, tool hafting, etc.) and tool use, if relevant. Organic materials required for the experiments or for tool production are available on-site.
Agreements on data management will be made in respect of open access policies of the University of Liège. Primary data produced within this framework will be made available on Uliège Dataverse, an open-source repository no later than 12 months after the completion of the experimental program (unless agreed otherwise). For interested participants, experienced staff from the Prehistomuseum can assist in the promotion of their research and the diffusion of results to a broader audience, either within the context of the museum or through existing communication channels.
Researchers interested in participating in this program are kindly requested to submit the following documents for consideration:
- A motivation letter for participating in the proposed program (max 1 page)
- A description of the research project in the context of which an experimental program would be required, including a clear argumentation for the relevance of an experimental approach to address their research questions (2-4 pages).
- A preliminary protocol for the experiments, including a rough idea about the number of experiments to be performed and/or ideal sample size (1-2 pages)
- Details regarding the preferred timing of the experimental program (between 15/10/2024-31/12/2025)
- A list of publications of the candidate with specific indication of the ones related to the research project, if any. If a candidate has no publications yet, please justify
- CV of the applicant
Deadline for application: 30/9/2024
Applications to be send to: inspire.traceolab@uliege.be
Procedure: The written applications will be used to select candidates for one or more on-line interview(s) with more in-depth discussion about the experimental program. Successful candidates will be informed by e-mail and follow-up planning will be made. The experimental program will be executed at no cost and lodging can be provided, but no funds will be transferred to the candidates.
Materials produced in the framework of these experiments will be available to the candidates for study and analysis. Agreements for their permanent storage and curation after completion of the analysis will be made. The standard procedure will be that material is stored in TraceoLab, University of Liège.
