High-quality, internationally recognised research across core activities

Research of high international quality is embedded in IAK’s core activities—research, heritage management, education, and dissemination.

We aim to further strengthen our role as a steward of the entire value chain—from fieldwork to knowledge production. All stages of this chain shall be research-based. Our competitive advantage lies in knowledge development rooted in the region’s cultural environment, forming the foundation for research of both national relevance and international significance.

Based on this foundation, we will communicate the importance of cultural heritage and actively initiate interdisciplinary international collaboration.

We will make strategic and effective use of our strengths, including our collections, research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary expertise. The active integration of contract archaeology and collections will further develop and strengthen research and collaboration at regional, national, and international levels.

We will be an internationally recognised research partner and compete successfully for top-tier research funding.

Our research and development activities are interdisciplinary and extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. This enhances both the relevance and the impact of our work across research, education, dissemination, heritage management, and conservation.

Our education is research-based and aligned with professional practice, providing students with strong competencies across the entire value chain we manage.

A creative, bold and visible public communicator

IAK will be a creative, courageous, and clearly outward-facing communicator, and an active contributor to public debate.

All dissemination will maintain high academic standards and be grounded in research. In addition to providing knowledge, we will contribute to informed public engagement and societal dialogue through the active use of diverse media platforms.

We will employ a broad range of communication formats and contribute to high-quality exhibitions that address relevant societal issues, build knowledge, engage audiences, and stimulate curiosity and debate.

A leading role in advanced technology and scientific method

IAK will consolidate and further develop its role in the application and advancement of cutting-edge technologies and scientific methods in archaeological research and heritage management.

Our key strength lies in our staff, who, together with our laboratory and research infrastructure, form the foundation for leadership in research, collaboration, and service provision.

We will capitalise on our position within a university with a strong focus on technology and natural sciences by actively pursuing research opportunities, utilising NTNU’s infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration with relevant academic communities both within and beyond NTNU.

An organisation that maximises and develops competence

IAK’s organisational structure will ensure that the full breadth of expertise is effectively utilised and continuously developed.

We will ensure sound governance and a sustainable organisation. This includes striving for co-location of the Department to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, efficient workflows, and shared use of infrastructure.

We will ensure that we maintain the appropriate competence to fulfil our responsibilities, deliver high-quality services across our field of activity, and carry out our societal mission.

We will contribute to the future archaeological profession by providing high-quality, practice-oriented education and training in archaeology and cultural history, aligned with current and future societal needs for expertise.

IAK will take care of its staff and maintain a balanced alignment between academic priorities, competencies, and resources.

We will work strategically to identify and address future responsibilities and priority areas.

Academic programmes and collection strategies will be developed to ensure coherence and synergy between research, education, and heritage management activities.

Interaction across the value chain and core activities will be strengthened through inclusion and collaboration across disciplinary and research groups, as well as across institutions—particularly in cooperation with the Department of Natural History (INH) and the National Laboratory for Age Determination (NLD).

Shared infrastructure will be maintained and further developed to ensure efficient use of equipment, facilities, and laboratory resources.

IAK will be an active participant in national and international academic networks and will contribute to developing relevant arenas for knowledge exchange, professional discussion, and project development.

Academic freedom is prioritised in line with NTNU’s ambitions and principles, supported by trust in and support for research groups and individual researchers.