Welcome to UISPP 2026 Congress

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues, Members and Supporters of UISPP,

It is my great pleasure to extend a warm invitation to you for the 21st World Congress of the Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences (UISPP), which will take place in Poznań, Poland, at the end of summer 2026. Poznań, the first capital of Poland, is a magical, green, and welcoming city, rich in history and culture, located along the scenic Warta River. Words cannot fully express how excited I am to host you in this extraordinary place for the first time in the history of Union.

This Congress is not just an event—it is a celebration. A celebration of knowledge, of archaeology, and of our shared passion for uncovering the past. For Poznań, Adam Mickiewicz University, and especially the Faculty of Archaeology, as well as for all Polish archaeologists, this is a momentous occasion. Archaeology has deep roots in Poznań, evolving from early amateur pursuits to an esteemed scientific discipline, culminating in the establishment of archaeological studies at the University of Poznań in 1919, under the leadership of our revered Professor Józef Kostrzewski. His legacy continues to inspire us today, and the Faculty of Archaeology at Adam Mickiewicz University remains one of the leading institutions in Poland, nurturing future generations of professional archaeologists in state-of-the-art facilities.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our academic achievements and vibrant archaeological community to you, our esteemed guests. The Congress will provide a platform to engage in meaningful discussions about the most pressing issues, groundbreaking discoveries, and innovative ideas in archaeology—the most beautiful and, some say, the last romantic science of our times. After all, who among us has not felt the quiet magic of a sunrise or sunset over an excavation site, or been captivated by the glimmer of ancient artifacts unearthed from the earth? This is the essence of our discipline, a blend of passion, curiosity, and discovery that I hope you will experience during your stay.