2026 Intensive Introductory Workshop in the Palaeosciences for Pre-Modernists

This entry-level workshop will introduce participants from the fields of history and archaeology to the palaeoecological sciences and their relevance to historical and archaeological research. Beginning with an overview of palaeoecology, how it works and how it can be used, the program will offer brief surveys of a number of key ecological sciences, with the focus this year on stable isotope analysis and sedimentary geochemistry, speleothems, ice cores, and palynology, with attention paid to data presentation, reconstruction of past vegetation, climate and land cover, and sampling strategies.

In particular, the program will explain how such proxies are interpreted, the conceptual basis for the reconstructions derived from them, and the assumptions, uncertainties, and statistical methods for data transformation that accompany their use. The focus is on the Mediterranean Basin, but examples will also be drawn on from other world regions.

• An intensive 5-day workshop
• Entry-level: no previous knowledge of the subject required
• Geared towards younger scholars (junior faculty members and graduate students)
• For scholars in the humanities and social sciences

Application Process and Deadlines

There is a limited number of places available. Those interested should submit a brief statement of interest (no more than 200 words), with their current position/program, to John Haldon (jhaldon@princeton.edu) by November 15th 2025. The subject line of the email should read “Application for Palaeoscience Workshop.” Successful applicants will be notified by December 1st 2025.

This workshop is sponsored by High Meadows Environmental Institute, the Department of Art & Archaeology, Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, the Center for Collaborative History, the Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, the Program in Medieval Studies, and the Committee for the Study of Late Antiquity