33rd Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) to Leiden in 2027
Leiden is proud to announce that the city has been selected to host the 33rd Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), scheduled for 25-28 August 2027.
Lively archaeological landscape
Following an intensive bidding process and an extensive site visit by EAA President Eszter Bánffy, EAA Secretary and EAA staff on 17-18 June 2024, the EAA Executive Board accepted Leiden’s bid. The Board praised the city’s excellent facilities and vibrant archaeological landscape and expressed confidence in Leiden’s ability to host the event to the highest standards.
Prestigious event
This prestigious event brings together leading archaeologists and researchers from across Europe and beyond, and contributes to Leiden’s reputation as a centre for archaeological research and education.
Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University, Jan Kolen, expressed his enthusiasm: ‘The 33rd annual meeting of the EAA is an exciting opportunity to showcase the world-class research being conducted in Leiden. Our Faculty, together with the wider archaeological community in the Netherlands, is looking forward to further strengthening our ties with international scholars and contributing even more to the important debates that are shaping the future of archaeology. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from all over the world to our beautiful city.’
Due to the expected attendance, the conference will take place in and around the Pieterskerkkwartier in Leiden’s city centre, where the university buildings can provide the necessary capacity.
Leiden as a City of Science
Martijn Bulthuis, Director of Leiden&Partners, also commented on the announcement: 'We are extremely proud to welcome such an important event to Leiden. This not only reflects the city's deep ties to archaeology, but also the strength of our collaborations with academic and cultural institutions. Hosting this event contributes to Leiden's positioning as a City of Science. A positioning that strengthens the prosperity and well-being of our local community on the one hand, and benefits the broader international academic network on the other.'
Strong collaboration
The successful bid was the result of a strong collaboration between several local institutions and the Municipality of Katwijk, including the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University, represented by Dean Jan Kolen, the National Research School for Archaeology ARCHON, represented by Philip Verhagen, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), represented by Jos Bazelmans, Erfgoed Leiden, represented by Arthur Barendsen, and the Leiden Convention Bureau, represented by Martijn Bulthuis.
Hosting the EAA Annual Meeting in 2027 demonstrates the power of collaboration between Leiden’s leading archaeological and heritage institutions. Their shared vision ensures a successful conference that not only promotes academic exchange, but also highlights Leiden’s rich history and innovative approaches to archaeology. This collaboration between local organisations and the European Association of Archaeologists reflects the innovative and cooperative spirit that characterises Leiden.
About the EAA
For more information about the event and its significance for the local and international archaeological community, visit the website of the European Association of Archaeologists or contact the Leiden Convention Bureau.