News and Events
- Call for short-term scientific missions (STSMs)Applications will be received until the deadline of 31.01.2026 for STSMs under the COST Action MAIA, a European research network dedicated to advancing ethical, effective, and technically robust applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in archaeology. MAIA brings together archaeologists, computer scientists, and digital specialists to develop best practices, consolidate expertise, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. STSMs form a key instrument for achieving MAIA’s scientific goals. They support short research visits that strengthen cooperation between institutions, promote knowledge exchange, facilitate access to datasets and tools, and provide training across archaeology, AI, and the digital humanities. They are also intended to support early-career researchers while… Read more: Call for short-term scientific missions (STSMs)
- Call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)COST Action CA23141 – MAIA (Managing Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology), 2025-2026 Applications are invited for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) under the COST Action MAIA, a European research network dedicated to advancing ethical, effective, and technically robust applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in archaeology. MAIA brings together archaeologists, computer scientists, and digital specialists to develop best practices, consolidate expertise, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. STSMs form a key instrument for achieving MAIA’s scientific goals. They support short research visits that strengthen cooperation between institutions, promote knowledge exchange, facilitate access to datasets and tools, and provide training across archaeology, AI, and the… Read more: Call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)
- CORE GROUP Action Chair: Gabriele Gattiglia (University of Pisa) – gabriele.gattiglia@unipi.it Action Vice-Chair: Holly Wright (University of York) – holly.wright@york.ac.uk Grant Holder Scientific Representative: Gabriele Gattiglia (University of Pisa) – gabriele.gattiglia@unipi.it Science Communication Coordinator: Francesca Anichini (University of Pisa) – francesca.anichini@unipi.it Grant Awarding Coordinator: Despina Catapoti (University of the Aegean) – dcatapoti@aegean.gr WG1 Leader: Michel Edwar Mickael (Instytut Genetyki I Biotechnologii Zwierząt Polskiej Akademii Nauk) – m.mickael@igbzpan.pl Vice-Leader WG1: Elisa Paperini (University of Pisa) – eli.paperini@gmail.com WG2 Leader: Vera Moitinho de Almeida (Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto) – vmoitinho@letras.up.pt Vice-Leader WG2: Aurore Mathys (Royal Museum for Central Africa) – aurore.mathys@africamuseum.be WG3 Leader: Anna Foka (Uppsala University) – annafoka@icloud.com … Read more: CORE GROUP
- Watch our MAIA introduction filmWe have released a short animation that explains what MAIA is and why our work matters. In under two minutes, the film introduces our aims, our community and how we are bringing archaeology and artificial intelligence together in a responsible, collaborative way. If you want a quick, clear overview of MAIA and the questions we are exploring, this is the best place to start. Watch the video now and learn more about MAIA’s vision and activities.
- Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence in Science at the AI in Science Summit 2025
The AI in Science Summit 2025 brought together scientists, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from more than 50 countries in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 3–4. Organized under the auspices of the Danish EU Presidency, in collaboration with the European Commission and the University of Copenhagen, the event served as a key meeting point for the global AI research community. SUMMIT: The summit explored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in scientific discovery and discussed how Europe can lead this AI-driven transformation while upholding its human values and scientific integrity. One of the main highlights was the launch of the Resource… Read more: Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence in Science at the AI in Science Summit 2025 - Extended Call for Papers – CAA 2026
The deadline for submitting papers, posters, and workshops to CAA 2026 has been extended to 9 November 2025. This extension provides an excellent opportunity for those who have not yet submitted their abstracts to take part in the next Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) conference. For more information and to submit your abstract, please visit: https://2026.caaconference.org/call-for-papers-and-posters/ - Reminder: Submit Your Abstracts for AI Sessions at CAA2026The abstract deadline for the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 is fast approaching — 26 October 2025. If you are working at the intersection of archaeology and artificial intelligence, there are several exciting sessions waiting for your contributions. These sessions address the many ways AI is shaping archaeological practice, from cultural heritage protection to generative modelling, data governance, and landscape detection. Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025Submit your abstract here AI-Related Sessions at CAA2026 Here’s a quick overview of the AI-focused sessions: Why This Matters Taken together, these sessions reflect the breadth of ongoing work… Read more: Reminder: Submit Your Abstracts for AI Sessions at CAA2026
- WG1 survey
We are ready to launch the survey on the use of Artificial Intelligence in and around archaeology, created by WG1! The aim is to understand how professionals in this field perceive, use, and expect AI technologies to evolve, insights that will help guide future research, training and ethical discussions.The survey is anonymous, takes about 10-15 minutes, and is open to anyone working in or around archaeology, heritage, data science, or related disciplines.Your participation would be greatly appreciated, and we encourage you to share the survey with colleagues who might be interested. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMZRqhCWRBfkmpNeyyi7d6tLiE1py819enPHiK_X0BaxHIQw/viewform We… Read more: WG1 survey - Call for Papers: Artificial Intelligence – A Step into the Post-digital Era of Archaeology (CAA2026, Session 47)We are delighted to announce Session 47: Artificial Intelligence – A Step into the Post-digital Era of Archaeology, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S47) About the Session Archaeology today exists firmly in the post-digital era, an environment where digital tools have become so embedded that their absence feels more disruptive than their presence. Techniques like GIS and 3D modelling, once considered innovations, are now routine. Into this context enters artificial intelligence (AI),… Read more: Call for Papers: Artificial Intelligence – A Step into the Post-digital Era of Archaeology (CAA2026, Session 47)
- LAC2026 – Call for papers
The next Landscape Arcaeology Conference (LAC2026 – https://lac2026.com) will take place from 18 – 21 March 2026 in Bamberg (Germany). The call for papers is out soon so I would like to draw your attention to the session #2 which might be of interest for MAIA members: From Point Clouds to Patterns: Machine Learning in Landscape Archaeology Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS)/Lidar and other remote sensing technologies are revolutionizing the way we document and interpret archaeological landscapes. When combined with machine learning—a dynamic field within artificial intelligence—these datasets unlock new possibilities for detecting, classifying, and understanding subtle archaeological features such as… Read more: LAC2026 – Call for papers - Call for Papers: Future Sight on Past Landscapes – Vision Foundation Models for Archaeological Remote Sensing and Landscape Archaeology (CAA2026, Session 37)We are pleased to announce Session 37: Future Sight on Past Landscapes – Vision Foundation Models for Archaeological Remote Sensing and Landscape Archaeology, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S37) About the Session Vision Foundation Models (VFMs) such as SAM, DINOv3, and geospatial-specialised models like Prithvi, AlphaEarth, and DeepAndes are reshaping how archaeological features are detected and interpreted. Their ability to generalise across imagery types and perform zero- or few-shot detection and segmentation… Read more: Call for Papers: Future Sight on Past Landscapes – Vision Foundation Models for Archaeological Remote Sensing and Landscape Archaeology (CAA2026, Session 37)
- Call for Papers: Generative AI, Text Mining, and Semantic Modelling – Using Big Models for Big Problems, FAIRly! (CAA2026, Session 33)We are delighted to announce Session 33: Generative AI, Text Mining, and Semantic Modelling – Using Big Models for Big Problems, FAIRly!, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S33) About the Session Large language models (LLMs), text mining pipelines, and semantic modelling frameworks are transforming the way archaeologists can work with unstructured and complex datasets. But how do we ensure these methods are trustworthy, interoperable, and FAIR? This session brings together practical applications… Read more: Call for Papers: Generative AI, Text Mining, and Semantic Modelling – Using Big Models for Big Problems, FAIRly! (CAA2026, Session 33)
- Call for Papers: AI Across the Heritage Pipeline – From Algorithms through Fieldwork to Deliverables (CAA2026, Session 29)We are excited to announce Session 29: AI Across the Heritage Pipeline – From Algorithms through Fieldwork to Deliverables, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S29) About the Session Artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly touches every stage of the archaeological process, from field data collection and documentation, to analysis, interpretation, and the delivery of results. Yet AI’s role is often siloed into specific tasks, without considering how these tools integrate across the entire heritage… Read more: Call for Papers: AI Across the Heritage Pipeline – From Algorithms through Fieldwork to Deliverables (CAA2026, Session 29)
- Call for Papers: AI Applications in Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Protection (CAA2026, Session 9)We are pleased to announce Session 9: AI Applications in Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Protection, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S9) About the Session Illicit excavations and the trafficking of cultural property remain serious transnational threats, often linked to organised crime and conflict-related instability. Addressing this challenge requires interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of innovative digital tools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as game changers in this domain,… Read more: Call for Papers: AI Applications in Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Protection (CAA2026, Session 9)
- Call for Papers: Digital Archaeological Collections as AI Training Data (CAA2026, Session 20)We are delighted to announce Session 20: Digital Archaeological Collections as AI Training Data, which will take place at the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference 2026 in Vienna. 📅 Abstract submission deadline: 26 October 2025🔗 Submit your abstract📜 Full list of sessions (see S20) About the Session Digital archaeological collections hold immense potential as training data for artificial intelligence (AI). This session will explore the opportunities and challenges that emerge when cultural heritage datasets are mobilised for computational purposes. We welcome contributions reflecting on methodological, technical, ethical, and social dimensions, as well as case studies that… Read more: Call for Papers: Digital Archaeological Collections as AI Training Data (CAA2026, Session 20)
- Call for Papers: CAA 2026, ViennaThe call for papers and posters for CAA 2026 is now open! The conference will take place in Vienna, bringing together archaeologists, heritage professionals, and computational researchers to explore the latest digital methods and applications in archaeology. Deadline for abstract submissions: 26 October 2025Submit your abstractBrowse all sessions A Diverse and Exciting Programme The 2026 conference features a wide range of sessions that showcase the breadth of computational approaches to archaeology. Topics include: From benchmark datasets and FAIR principles to post-digital AI practices and vision foundation models, the programme demonstrates how rapidly the field is evolving. MAIA and AI at CAA 2026 Several sessions connect directly… Read more: Call for Papers: CAA 2026, Vienna
- MAIA Kick-off Meeting: Launching a New COST Action on AI in ArchaeologyWe are excited to share the recording of the MAIA Kick-off Meeting, which marked the official start of the COST Action CA23141: Managing Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology (MAIA). Or watch the full video here: MAIA Kick-off Meeting on YouTube What is MAIA? MAIA (2024–2028) is a COST Action funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) framework. Its goal is to bring together archaeologists, heritage professionals, computer scientists, and policymakers to critically explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into archaeology. The Action addresses not only the technical opportunities of AI but also the ethical, legal, and… Read more: MAIA Kick-off Meeting: Launching a New COST Action on AI in Archaeology
- Creative, Critical and Practical Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology: the MAIA Training School at York
The MAIA COST Action Training School, “Creative, Critical and Practical Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology: the MAIA Training School at York” occurred September 2-4, 2025, King’s Manor, Department of Archaeology, University of York, UK. The participants underwent three days of intensive training and discussion regarding the future of Artificial Intelligence in archaeology. Our first day was in the Digital Archaeology and Heritage Lab, where we had a morning workshop led by Dr James Stuart Taylor examining the ethical and political challenges of AI in archaeology, with regard to generative AI, chatbots, aerial detection, reconstruction of archaeological artefacts and more.… Read more: Creative, Critical and Practical Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology: the MAIA Training School at York - Investigating Artificial Intelligence applications in archaeology
Over the past decade, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly common across various fields of science and technology. Archaeology, too, has begun to explore the potential of AI, with dedicated sessions now focusing on its diverse applications within the discipline. Archaeology benefits significantly from AI, particularly when there is a need to analyse large volumes of data or perform complex, highly specialised, and time-consuming tasks. Currently, AI is applied to many archaeological fields such as: Image made with Artificial Intelligence AI offers tremendous potential to advance our understanding of shared archaeological heritage. However, several critical issues now… Read more: Investigating Artificial Intelligence applications in archaeology - MAIA Kicks Off in Seville: Shaping the Future of AI in Archaeology
On 14–15 May 2025, 70 participants from over 30 countries gathered in Seville for the Kick-off Meeting of COST Action No. 23141 MAIA (Managing Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology), hosted by the Facultad de Geografía e Historia, University of Seville. Over two intense days, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of thematic working groups and plenary sessions, fostering mutual exchange and knowledge-sharing across a wide range of professional, academic, public, and private backgrounds. MAIA brings together more than 230 members, many of whom followed the proceedings online. The Action tackles the complex and rapidly evolving relationship between archaeology and artificial intelligence… Read more: MAIA Kicks Off in Seville: Shaping the Future of AI in Archaeology - Kick-off Meeting in Seville: 14–15 May 2025
We are pleased to announce that the Kick-off Meeting of our COST Action CA23141 – Managing Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology (MAIA) will take place on 14–15 May 2025 at the Facultad de Geografía e Historia, University of Seville. This event will bring together over 70 researchers from across Europe who are actively involved in MAIA. It marks an important moment for us to launch collaborative work within our Working Groups and Management Committee. The meeting will be held in hybrid format, enabling both in-person and online participation. Through this meeting, we begin shaping a strong European network committed to the… Read more: Kick-off Meeting in Seville: 14–15 May 2025 - MAIA Officially Launches
First Management Committee Meeting in Brussels, September 2024 On September 20, 2024, MAIA officially launched, bringing together a network of archaeologists, digital archaeologists, and computer scientists to develop a shared understanding of AI applications in archaeology. The first Management Committee (MC) meeting took place in Brussels at the COST headquarters. The MC is responsible for taking the necessary actions to ensure that MAIA meets its aims and objectives; on this occasion, a Core Group was elected to oversee the day-to-day management. This meeting marked the first step in establishing the network of researchers, users, and innovators that MAIA aims to… Read more: MAIA Officially Launches