Marco Schrickel

Responsibility for data, finds and knowledge

Archaeological work is irreversible. Sustainability therefore means, above all, ensuring the long-term preservation, usability and visibility of finds, data and research findings. In view of the ever-increasing volume of finds and data, key questions arise regarding the assessment, prioritisation, analysis and public communication of archaeological findings. The annual conference provides a forum for professional exchange between heritage conservation, research, excavation practice, museums, data infrastructures and the general public.

From the perspective of a state archaeological heritage authority, the paper examines how archaeological data can be professionally and sustainably collected, documented, made accessible and archived when preservation of a monument in situ is not possible.