Research of high international quality is rooted in IAK’s core activities—research, administration, teaching/education, and dissemination

We have ambitious goals to further strengthen our position as an administrator of the entire value chain—from the field to knowledge production. Every link in the chain shall be research-based. Our competitive advantage is knowledge development rooted in the region's cultural environment, which forms a basis for research that is of national and international importance. Based on research, we communicate the significance of the cultural environment and initiate international interdisciplinary collaboration.

We have strong ambitions to utilise our expertise and advantages as best as possible: including our collections, research infrastructure and our interdisciplinary profile. Initiating management studies and collections further develops and strengthens regional, national and international research and collaboration. We will be an internationally recognized research partner and hold our own in the competition for top-tier research funding.

Our research and development work is interdisciplinary and transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. This enhances the appeal of the work we do in the areas of research, education, dissemination, administration, and conservation.

Our teaching and education are research-based and relevant to the professional world, and provide our students with strong expertise in every link of the value chain that we administer.

IAK shall be a creative, bold, and outward-looking disseminator of knowledge, and an active contributor to public discourse

All of our dissemination activities will be of a high professional standard and based on research. In addition to serving as a provider of knowledge, we will contribute to knowledge-driven dissemination and public dialogue through the active use of various media.

We will utilise a wide range of communication methods and contribute to high-quality exhibitions that address relevant issues, develop knowledge and are interesting, in addition to being able to generate curiosity and debate.

IAK will consolidate and further develop its role in the application and development of advanced technology and scientific methods for archaeological research and management

Our potential lies in our employees, who, together with our laboratory and research infrastructure, are the foundation for internal and external research leadership, collaboration, and the provision of services.

We will capitalize on the advantage of being part of a university focused on technology and the natural sciences by actively seeking out research opportunities, utilizing NTNU’s infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration with relevant academic communities both internally and externally.

The Department’s organisational structure ensures that the full range of expertise is utilized and further developed in the best possible manner

We are committed to ensuring sound corporate governance and having a sustainable organisation. This entails that we endeavour to bring the entire department under one roof in order to support cross-departmental collaboration, efficient workflows, and the use of shared infrastructure, and that we always have the right expertise in place to carry out our tasks, provide high-quality services across the breadth of our field of activity, and fulfill our societal mission.

We will assist with recruitment and provide high-quality, practice-oriented education within the fields of archaeology and cultural history in line with society’s current and future needs for expertise.

• IAK looks after its staff and maintains the right balance between professional priorities, expertise, and resources.
• IAK works strategically to identify and address future responsibilities and focus areas.
• Specialist programmes and meeting schedules are being developed to ensure strategic alignment between research and administrative tasks.
• Collaboration within the value chain and core activities is strengthened through inclusion and cooperation across professional and research groups, as well as across institutions among the research units at IAK, INH, and NLD.
• Shared infrastructure is maintained and further developed to ensure we can utilise up-to-date equipment, space, and laboratory facilities.
• IAK is an active participant in national and international professional forums and develops relevant professional platforms for knowledge sharing, professional discussion, and project development at the local level.
• Academic freedom is prioritised in line with NTNU’s ambitions and prerequisites, with support and trust in research groups and individual researchers.