Since the advent of computers in archaeology in the early 1970s, technical advancement has maintained its importance as a main driving force for research while field methods remained largely unchanged. As a result, traditional excavations in Egypt become increasingly specialised endeavours where multi-disciplinarity is the key to generating impact-factor publications. This conference explores the boundary points between dirt archaeology, data collection and archaeological science and how the application of modern technologies within the given legal framework lend themselves to a precision era in archaeology. Differences between remote archaeological sites and populated areas will be addressed in this conference and how technologies can minimise disruptions for local communities while at the same time encourage the preservation of cultural heritage in fast moving world.  

Materials and Technologies is organised in hybrid format at Aswan and online from 24 to 27 November 2023. It serves as a platform to discuss and exchange current research and practices in the area of recording artefacts and monuments on site, lab work in Egypt and museum archaeology in Egypt and abroad, as well as their possible connections in areas such as conservation methods and legal frameworks. High standard conference contributions will be published as a special issue of the Studies in Egyptian Archaeology and Science journal which also organises the conference.

The Advisory Committee:

1. Abdel Moneim Saeed, Director General of Aswan and Nubia Antiquities Sector, Egypt
2. Eman Khalifa, Cairo University, Egypt
3. Judith Banbury, a leading landscape archaeologist from Cambridge University with a focus on the ancient Nile, UK
4. Karin Sowada, Macquarie University, Australia
5. Marie Vandenbeusch, an archaeologist and scientist from the British Museum in London, UK

The Organizing Committee:

1. Aya Abd el-Rahman, Cairo University, Egypt
2. Martin Bommas, Macquarie University, Australia
3. Mahmoud Al-Gohary, Cairo University, Egypt
4. Roshini Thomas, Macquarie University, Australia

List of suggested topics:

1. Legal Framework of Working with Archaeological Finds in Egypt: ethics, work processes, publications, copyright
2. Precision Era Archaeology (Geomatic technologies, archaeometry etc.)
3. Case Studies: artefacts in the field (pottery, artefacts, architecture)
4. Case Studies: from the field to storeroom - and museum? (Documentation, conservation)
5. Applied Science in Archaeology
6. The Role of Technology in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Museums: collaborations, repatriation