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Activity Funded

Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behavior

Centro Interdisciplinar de Arqueologia e Evolução do Comportamento Humano

Reference
UID/04211/2025
Project Start Date
2025-01-01
Project End Date
2029-12-31
Principal Investigator
Funding Program
Avaliação UID 2023/2024

Abstract

The core mission of ICArEHB is to develop and share a comprehensive understanding of the origins and evolution of human behavior through rigorous and innovative research. We aim to merge interdisciplinary insights to explore crucial aspects of the human journey by studying the archaeological record and using present analogs to model prehistoric human evolution and adaptations. In recent years, ICArEHB has undergone significant growth, more than tripling the number of members, and multiplying by 8 the funding provided by FCT. This growth introduces new challenges that, over the next 5 years, will be crucial in enhancing ICArEHB's standing as a premier global research hub and a unique European center for interdisciplinary human evolution studies. Our strategic plan focuses on: 1. Elevating research excellence by leading interdisciplinary research in crucial domains of prehistoric INTERACTIONS and INNOVATION. Through ongoing and new field projects in Europe, Africa, and expanding into the Arabian Peninsula, we will spearhead research on: (a) Early Technology and Cognition, exploring how early hominins’ innovative tool use and cognitive developments were intertwined with their social and cultural fabric; (b) Population Dynamics and Bio-Cultural Interactions, focusing on topics such as the out-of-Africa migrations, and the complex transitions of the Middle to Upper Paleolithic and the Mesolithic to Neolithic in Europe; (c) Coevolutionary Processes in Food-producing Societies, aiming to elucidate the profound impacts of domestication on human adaptations and the emergence of complex socio-cultural systems. 2. Ensuring sustainability by (a) forming a stable group of permanent researchers, and reinforcing our support staff; (b) diversifying our funding sources, leading large European consortia applications and seeking private scientific patronage; (c) maintaining a governance that combines efficiency and horizontality, where all members can all contribute at several levels. 3. Cultivating uniqueness by (a) setting the pace on Open Science practices in human evolution research (b) establishing the new Hub for Collaborative Synthesis in Human Evolution, gathering in ICArEHB scholars from diverse background and institutions to do research synthesis; (c) providing unique training/development opportunities by updating our PhD program in Archaeology, submitting a proposal for a new international Erasmus+ MA, and expanding our ICArEHB Seed Fund. 4. Amplifying our relevance in society by (a) launching the ICArEHB Public Engagement Fund; (b) establishing the Muge Shellmiddens Interpretive Center; (c) intensifying knowledge transfer with our main non-academic partner, ERA Arqueologia; (d) developing a strong program of dissemination, including a new outdoor laboratory for experimental archaeology, to host outreach activities that will bring the general public closer to the prehistoric world.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade do Algarve Centro Interdisciplinar de Arqueologia e Evolução do Comportamento Humano (UAlg ICArEHB)
  • Universidade do Algarve (UALg)

Funding 1.753.665,33 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

1.753.665,33 €