Trenches and ivory towers: universities and commercial field archaeology

Organiser: David Petts, University of Durham

In the light of new assumptions embedded in PPS5, the Southport Group report has strongly advocated an increased co-operation between the academic and commercial sectors. The rise of ‘impact’ as a key element in the academic Research Excellent Framework is also encouraging archaeologists based in universities to rethink their relationship with the wider historic environment sector. This session will explore ways in which the two tribes in UK archaeology can work together, building mutually supportive relationships sharing methodological and interpretative skills, and maximising the research dividend that can be derived from the massive expansion of archaeological interventions due to PPG16/PPS5.

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