Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian (experimental) archaeologists who are still trying to work in Ukraine or in countries they have now fled to, are facing difficulties conducting their research. Archaeology students are having issues accessing the material they need for their courses and thesis/dissertation projects. Their access to data has been limited, making it impossible to work in the way they are used to.

EXARC member Dr Aimée Little from the York Experimental Archaeology Research (YEAR) Centre, Department of Archaeology, University of York, has approached EXARC to see whether we can assist in creating an Experimental Archaeologists for Ukraine network, including a mentoring programme for Ukrainian experimental archaeologists and students.The idea is to build up a network for Ukrainian experimental archaeologists in need of data or specialist information who can contact EXARC and "get redirected to specialists who are willing to volunteer a bit of their time for online zoom meetings, advice, information, data sharing etc."

For example, Aimée and her team would cover incoming requests regarding Palaeolithic and Mesolithic research queries, with several of the YEAR Centre-affiliated PhD students also offering specialist support for Ukrainian Viking and Medieval experimental researchers: basically, research match-making! Another option is for people to assist Ukrainians who are looking for jobs in the countries they have fled to by helping them write CVs, cover letters etc.

This mentoring programme is intended not only to help those in need with their studies but is also intended to help broaden the international network of Ukrainian experimental archaeology researchers whose research connections have been severely impacted by the war.

If you are interested in volunteering some of your time and expertise, please get in touch with us at info@exarc.net