The Theoretical Archaeology Group 2010 (TAG2010) conference, hosted by the University’s Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, will see delegates from over 20 countries attend the premier forum for archaeological debate in the world.

The theme of the Bristol conference is ‘Science and Theory’, reflecting the University’s own strength in this area.  Panels and speakers include chemists, engineers, geographers, musicians and anthropologists alongside archaeological and heritage researchers.

Some of the interesting debates will include ‘who needs experts’, manifestos for materials, and audio-visual practice as research. The conference is hosting a live interactive screening of a Second Life screen festival hosted by the University of California (Berkeley). Popular historian and broadcaster Michael Wood will be giving a keynote lecture on the Story of England project that aired on the BBC this autumn.

The TAG conferences have become famous for their controversy and the interdisciplinary outlook of many of the papers.

Dr Joshua Pollard of the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, and chair of the conference, said: "It’s amazing to see such a large turnout for TAG 2010, which reflects the vibrant and enthusiastic research culture within archaeology as a whole."

The conference has been sponsored by Bristol-based company Phoenix Survey and Safety Equipment, the Prehistoric Society, and Antiquity Publications.