Student and Early Careers Conference 2026
Every year, this digital conference aims to platform students, early career archaeologists and heritage professionals, and to give them the opportunity to gain presentation experience.
Date: 30 July 2026
Time: 3 - c. 7.30pm
Who is it for?
SPEAKERS & CHAIRS: The conference is open to anyone studying archaeology or an associated subject such as osteoarchaeology, anthropology, or cultural heritage management, undertaking an apprenticeship or training scheme, or Individuals within 7 years full time equivalent (FTE) from completion of their first archaeology-related degree or apprenticeship, or for those without formal education in archaeology, within 7 years FTE from the start of their first professional archaeological position.
AUDIENCE: We always hope the conference audience will comprise anyone who has an interest in the range of topics that will be discussed and/or those who wish to support early career archaeologists and heritage professionals in a welcoming and friendly environment.
How do we sign-up to watch the conference?
The conference is free to attend and you can book your place here:
Is there a theme or preferred presentation format?
There is no set theme. Instead, participants are encouraged to present on any topic of their choice. Once the papers have been submitteed we then look for emerging themes to create our sessions. This year we have four sessions, which will explore:
- how osteoarchaeology and bioarchaeology can challenge long-held societal assumptions
- votive deposition, from the prehistoric to the modern day.
- how colonial narratives are being challenged across the globe.
- how climate change and heritage protections are impacting coastal archaeology
We also have a range of pre-recorded papers on a whole host of different topics. From musical instruments in funerary contexts to the importance of youth voice in ensuring archaeology remains relevant to the next generation.
We will also be hosting a set of academic posters and accompanying blogs, which will be launched alongside the conference on July 30th.
Take a look at a presentation from last year's conference, which will give you an insight into what to expect. Jenny Carey Mikkleson presented her research on Critical Peat/Bog Studies in Bog Body Research live on the day. She also charied one of our earlier sessions.
Can I watch the talks from the conference?
The conference talks were recorded and, where permission was granted, are available on the CBA's YouTube channel.
You can find last year's recordings on the Early Careers Conference 2025 playlist and further examples below.