The Archaeology Lab of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics at the International Hellenic University supports archaeological research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a strong emphasis on the study of material culture and field-based research.
The Lab was founded to facilitate the research needs of the University’s excavation at the Iron Age site of Trapeza Neo Rysio-Kardia and it is intricately linked to our MA programmes, MA in the Classical Archaeology and the Ancient History of Macedonia and MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies: Culture and International Relations, providing hands-on training to MA and PhD students in archaeological methods, documentation, and analysis. Through the integration of traditional approaches and state-of-the-art methodologies, the Lab aims to contribute to archaeological research of international relevance.
About us
The Archaeology Lab was founded in 2025 and is housed at the facilities of the International Hellenic University in Thermi, Thessaloniki (Greece), within the University Center of International Programmes of Studies.
The establishment of the Lab responds to the growing need for an organized academic space dedicated to archaeological research, education, and interdisciplinary practice. Archaeological fieldwork produces a vast amount of material and immaterial data, the documentation, management, and interpretation of which require specialised infrastructure, equipment, and expertise.
As the only laboratory of its kind within the International Hellenic University, the Archaeology Lab supports the continuation and development of a long-standing archaeological research tradition in northern Greece, while serving as a centre for advanced training and international research collaboration in archaeology.
Our team
- Professor Manolis Manoledakis, Director
- Dr. Peli Plika, Academic Associate
- Dr. Trisevgeni Papadakou, Academic Associate
- Dr. Eleni Mentesidou, Academic Associate
- Anastasia Basakyrou, PhD Candidate
- Katerina Kalamartzi, conservator
Collaborating Researchers
- Vasiliki Lagari, Digital Archaeologist
- Dr. Eugenia Gkatzogia, Archaeobotanist
- Ioannis Oikonomou, Geoarchaeologist
Collaborating Labs and Institutions
Research
The research activity of the Lab focuses on the study of the human past through material culture and bioarchaeological evidence, combining established archaeological practices with interdisciplinary approaches.
Core research areas include:
- Study, conservation, and documentation of material culture
- Collection, processing, and analysis of bioarchaeological material
- Application of microscopy methods
- Digital methods in archaeology, including 3D documentation of objects and spaces
- Promotion of interdisciplinarity and the application of innovative methodologies in archaeological research
- Development of reference collections
Archaeology Training Programs
In addition to our MA programmes, our Department and Lab host two lifelong learning programmes, Digital Archaeology and Archaeology in Action, which allow participants to engage in real archaeological research while developing practical skills on a variety of techniques.
Facilities & Services
The Lab functions as a research, teaching, and training hub supporting both internal and external archaeological activities. Its facilities include dedicated office spaces, laboratory areas, and secure storage for archaeological materials.
Our services:
- Supporting archaeological research within the International Hellenic University
- Providing lab infrastructure and supervision for teaching, practical exercises, and methodological training
- Supporting MA theses and PhD dissertations
- Organizing seminars, hands-on workshops, and international conferences
- Providing research and analytical support to external institutions and scholars
Equipment
Microscopy and Analysis
- Stereomicroscopes
- Polarizing microscope
- Laser Aided Profiler
Measurement & Surveying
- Digital calipers
- Laser distance meters
- Laser scanner
Material Processing
- Water flotation machine and laboratory test sieves
Conservation & Photography
- Conservation equipment
- Photographing equipment (cameras, lights, tripods, photo booths)
Funding & Grants
The Lab supports and participates in self-funded and externally funded research projects.
Contact Information
E-mail: archaeolab@ihu.edu.gr
Telephone: 2310 807508, 2310 807525, 2310 807537
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