The “Iuliu Paul” Institute of Systemic Archaeology aims to become a centre of excellence in interdisciplinary archaeological research, bringing together specialists, methods, and research

infrastructures from complementary fields in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of past human communities.

The Institute’s vision is grounded in the principles of systemic archaeology, according to which archaeological remains must be investigated and interpreted in relation to the natural environment, economic and dietary practices, technologies, social organisation, beliefs, and forms of cultural expression of the communities that created them. From this perspective, we aim to develop research topics covering a broad chronological span, from the Neolithic to Antiquity, while remaining open to other historical periods.

To fulfil this vision, the Institute seeks to:

- initiate and develop interdisciplinary research programmes and projects by participating in national and international funding competitions;

- enhance archaeological research by integrating methods specific to archaeobotany, archaeozoology, anthropology, archaeometry, geoarchaeology, palaeogenetics, absolute dating, organic residue analysis, and digital technologies;

- strengthen cooperation with universities, research institutes, museums, laboratories, and specialists from Romania and abroad;

- organise conferences, colloquia, round tables, workshops, and summer schools with national and international participation;

- develop archaeological and interdisciplinary exhibitions intended for both academic audiences and the wider public;

- support the professional development of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as early-career researchers, by involving them in research projects, archaeological fieldwork, laboratory activities, and academic mobility programmes;

- promote modern methods for documenting, analysing, conserving, and digitally enhancing the archaeological heritage;

- publish and disseminate research results through academic studies, edited volumes, databases, exhibitions, and resources accessible to both the scientific community and wider society.

Through these directions, the “Iuliu Paul” Institute of Systemic Archaeology seeks to create an open environment for research, dialogue, and innovation, in which archaeological heritage is investigated, protected, and promoted through collaboration between the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. At the same time, the Institute embraces its role in bringing archaeological research closer to society and contributing to a broader understanding and more effective protection of cultural heritage.