Where Physics, Chemistry and Archaeology Meet: Applications and Case Studies in (p)XRF

30th of March 2026 at the Natural History Museum Vienna with an Ice-breaker event on the 29th

Aim of the conference

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) is widely used in archaeometry, conservation, and heritage research. The results of pXRF analyses contribute to our understanding of the past, for instance, geochemical signatures of stone help to reconstruct long and short distance artefact exchange systems or chemical compositions inform us about the technologies used to create metal or ceramic objects. Increasing developments and protocols mean pXRF data should be high quality enough to contribute to large shared research databases for testing old and developing new archaeological theories.

Despite its accessibility, the method is often applied without full consideration of instrument handling, data processing, or the specific requirements of different materials. This conference aims to highlight well-grounded case studies that demonstrate not just where pXRF was used, but why it worked. We invite papers that explore the successful application of (p)XRF across a broad spectrum of archaeological materials and research questions - including ceramics, metals, soils, pigments, lithics, and more. Case studies should go beyond simply presenting application results: they should critically reflect on methodological choices, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

Call for Papers

To submit an abstract, please send a summary of no more than 250 words by 30th of November 2025 to michaela.schauer@univie.ac.at. Please include your name, affiliation, title of contribution, and 3–5 keywords. 

Topics may include (but are not limited to):

  • Material-specific approaches and adaptations
  • Strategies for data quality control and interpretation
  • Cross-disciplinary or collaborative research settings
  • Innovative or underutilized applications of (p)XRF in heritage sciences

Please design your presentation to raise thought-provoking questions that will inspire discussion at your World Café table.

Contributions will be reviewed and selected by the scientific committee, which consists of the GopXRF.net Core Team and the conference organisers.

We look forward to your contributions and to an engaging, discussion-focused day exploring the intersections of physics, chemistry, and archaeology through (p)XRF!

Conference Format

The free of charge in-person conference will be held on 30th of March 2026 at the Natural History Museum Vienna (NHMV, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna). The format is designed to foster discussion and exchange:

  • First, each presenter will give a brief pitch presentation (10 minutes) introducing their case study, outlining key questions, materials, and methodological considerations.
  • A World Café will follow, in which presenters host discussion tables shaped by the themes introduced in their talks. Across several rounds, participants will choose between tables to engage in focused, peer-driven conversations around shared challenges, solutions, materials, and research questions – creating space for practical exchange and interdisciplinary insight.

Ice Breaker Event

An Ice Breaker event will be held on the evening of the 29th of March 2026.

  • 4:00 pm: Guided tour of the Austrian Archaeological Institute’s (ÖAI) laboratory facilities
  • 5:30 pm: Exclusive 1.5-hour guided visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with a focus on the catacombs and rooftop

Self-paid dinner reservations will be made for those registered. More information will follow soon!

Institutions and Projects Involved