We are thrilled to announce the call for abstracts for the 11th International Symposium on Biomolecular Archaeology (ISBA 11), hosted in the vibrant city of Turin!
We welcome submissions from researchers who answer critical questions about the past using biomolecular and geochemical approaches (isotopes, lipids and metabolites, proteins, and DNA). ISBA 11 aims to spotlight interdisciplinary research where results are clear, robust, and impactful. Abstracts will be selected based on scientific excellence, as well as our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Join us in Turin and contribute to advancing biomolecular archaeology in a dynamic setting!
Abstract submission opens: November 15, 2024
Abstract submission deadline: January 20, 2025
Abstract guidelines:
Every individual may submit only one abstract as the first author. The abstract word limit is 250 words. No references are required, and at maximum, three can be included. These will not count towards the word limit. In addition, authors should include three keywords.
We invite you to submit abstracts for talks (15 minutes long with an additional 5 minutes for questions) and posters that deal with the following subjects:
Authentication and reliability of ancient molecular datasets: Advances in best practices and quality control in data generation and FAIR distribution.
Biomolecular traces of the immaterial world: Biomolecular approaches to reconstructing cult and symbolic behaviour, belief systems, and intangible cultural heritage.
Diet and foodways: The study of diet and food preparation and societal framework for these cultural practices – culinary traditions, food production, consumption, and economy.
Embodied identities in life and death: The study of human remains and mortuary contexts, detailing what can be learned about the lives and deaths of past individuals.
Environmental change, sustainability, and ancient ecosystems: The study of how humans shaped and were shaped by past environments, the dynamics of ancient ecosystems, and how biomolecular approaches can speak to current ecological challenges.
Evolution of human and non-human animals, plants, and microbes: Advances in biomolecular approaches that expand our understanding of trajectories and mechanisms in evolutionary biology.
Integrating ancient biomolecules and archaeological theory: Improving archaeological interpretations through the application of biomolecular techniques within explicit theoretical frameworks.
Interaction between humans and non-human animals, plants, and microbes: How biomolecular archaeology can improve our understanding of the mutual exchanges that occur between humans and other organisms (e.g. changing roles of species within human societies, from prey to pet, ancient biotechnologies, microbes in food production, and plants for personal care, medicine, decoration, fuel).
Methodological advances in biomolecular archaeology: Improvements in wet-lab protocols, analytical techniques, and bioinformatic approaches for the study of aDNA, eDNA, proteins, lipids, metabolites, and other small molecules, and isotopes.
Migration, mobility, and translocation: Biomolecular approaches to the study of the past movements of humans and non-human animals, plants, and microbes (e.g. long-distance and short-distance trade, impact on local biodiversity, and construction of new socio-ecological niches).
In addition, there will be one special session with short talks (5 minutes):
Ancient biomolecules and museums: The study of museum collections covering: 1) ethics and best practice around cultural object care and analysis; 2) integrating results with public museum interpretation.
