Student and Early Careers Conference 2024

Following the success of our 2021, 2022 and 2023 conferences, the CIfA Early Careers Special Interest Group and the Council for British Archaeology are hosting the fourth digital Early Careers Conference during the Festival of Archaeology 2024.

This digital conference aims to platform students, early career archaeologists and heritage professionals, and to give them the opportunity to gain presentation experience.

Date: 24th of July 2024

Time: Start 3.00 pm – Close c.8.00 pm

Who is it for?

SPEAKERS: The conference speakers are those studying archaeology or an associated subject such as osteoarchaeology, anthropology, or cultural heritage management, undertaking an apprenticeship or training scheme, or in early career employment in archaeology (contributors should be less than 36 months into their archaeology career).

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. 

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.

The aim is to make as many people as possible feel comfortable contributing, and with this in mind, we will be accommodating a range of presentation methods. These will include:

• Short lectures
• Pre-recorded presentations
• Posters

You can also apply to Chair a session (more details available below).

What will I get out of contributing?

As there is no theme, participants will be able to present on any archaeological subject of their choice, creating a unique opportunity for individuals to showcase their specific interests, research or involvement in the sector. 

Developing skills and confidence in this area could positively impact your future career. The flexible and relaxed nature of this conference makes it an ideal platform for any student or early career archaeologist to gain presenting experience.

We also welcome participants where English is not their first language.

What support will I get? 

Ahead of the conference, a mentoring session with tips and advice on presenting and writing will be offered. A more experienced archaeologist will be on hand on the day to support each session if help is needed.

We also have a guide on how to create an academic poster, which we can share if needed.

Last year we had a great mix of speakers and topics, which we hope to replicate again this year. We are more than happy to discuss ideas and topics.

How do I take part?

If you are interested in participating, please submit a short abstract to [email protected] by Monday 9.00 am June 3rd.

We have created a handy guide to writing a conference abstract should you need it:

In addition to your abstract please let us know:

• If you have presented before,
• the method by which you would like to present
• state if you would be interested in chairing a session  

We have also created a short intro to Chairing a Session should you wish to find out more:

Can I watch the talks from the 2023 conference?

The conference talks were recorded and, where permission was granted, were uploaded to the CBA's YouTube channel. You can find last year's recordings on the Early Careers Conference 2023 Playlist and further examples below.