The Forensic and Conflict Archaeology research group explores the impact of conflict on society, from the motivations and planning of conflicts to their physical remains in the landscape, including mass graves and places of confinement. Like the broader discipline of archaeology, these sub-disciplines firmly span the humanistic and science domains, incorporating a range of interdisciplinary methods and approaches besides archaeological field recording and excavation methods, including forensic taphonomy, human osteology, memory studies and various biomolecular, chemical, geophysical and remote sensing techniques.

Forensic Archaeology plays a crucial role in uncovering and interpreting evidence from crime scenes, mass disaster sites, and war zones, working alongside law enforcement and legal professionals in criminal investigations or during humanitarian crises. This work is critical in providing scientifically robust evidence for legal proceedings, helping to bring justice to victims and their families. Beyond legal proceedings, forensic archaeology plays an important role in Humanitarian Forensic Action conducted for and with affected communities by and involving them in the process can foster trust and ensure that investigations are conducted respectfully and in accordance with local customs and needs.  Conflict archaeology investigates the material remains of past conflicts together with documentary and oral history sources to understand the broader social, cultural, and technological impacts of human conflict. This may include the study of military logistics, civilian experiences, and the long-term consequences of conflict on societies.

These fields of research are united by their focus on sites of violence, their commitment to uncovering truths about human suffering and resilience, and their aim to reconstruct past events and understand their broader implications. Together, forensic and conflict archaeology contribute to the study and understanding of responses to conflict aftermaths and wider societal repercussions, and to the longer-term construction of public memories of sites of trauma and conflict.

Mass graves and sites of violence

Mass graves, as sites of large-scale human rights violations, represent a significant humanitarian crisis. These graves pose complex archaeological challenges due to the large number of victims and the necessity for precise documentation to preserve evidence of crimes. Forensic archaeologists develop and apply specialized excavation techniques to handle these sensitive contexts. The study of mass graves and sites of violence further contributes to humanitarian efforts and transitional justice: locating sites of mass violence and mass burial within wider trauma-scapes is a crucial first step toward providing recognition to victims, supporting human rights, and toward memorialization and reconciliation.

Research Aims and Methodologies

Our research group leverages a range of innovative methodologies to advance forensic and conflict archaeology. We use advanced digital tools such as 3D visualization, virtual reconstruction, geophysics and remote sensing to document and analyse sites of conflict and mass graves, and to create novel ways to educate and train students and researchers. These innovative technologies are further employed for the construction of public memories of sites of trauma and conflict.

A key challenge in forensic archaeology is the necessity to uphold the highest scientific standards within the constraints of legal contexts. Our group therefore also seeks new ways to balance the development and adoption of innovative techniques with the need to ensure the admissibility of evidence in court.

By integrating forensic and conflict archaeology, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of how violence and conflict have shaped human societies.  

Envisaged results & Societal Relevance

Forensic and Conflict Archaeology uncover the physical evidence of past and present conflicts, with the aim to contribute to the pursuit of justice, historical understanding, and reconciliation. We aim to develop new digital procedures that enhance archaeological documentation and analysis and explore new ways to use these in memorialization of sites of trauma and conflict. The group's research will result in PhD dissertations, peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and books.

The research group currently engages in the following projects:

• The Mass Grave Project (PI Mickleburgh): an interdisciplinary research project that aims to advance the development, evaluation, and validation of scientific methodologies for investigating mass graves, as well as develop innovative educational opportunities for students and practitioners in forensic archaeological excavation and field recording methods. The project regards mass graves as unique archaeological and evidential contexts shaped by numerous interconnected factors influencing the condition of recovered evidence, such as local soil type and weather conditions, the manner of disposal of bodies by perpetrators, and the number of deceased individuals placed in graves. Its interdisciplinary framework plays an important role in understanding the dynamic interaction of these different variables and their impact on physical evidence. This understanding is essential for determining the most suitable investigation methods and training tailored to mass graves.

Research Group Type: Network and Project group

Group Coordinator

Members of the research group  

• Andrea González Martinez, MSc
• Almir Olovcic, MSc
• Prof. Dr. James Symonds

Institutional or professional partners  

• 4D Research Lab