Conference Methodological Innovations in P-XRF-Studies

24^th of September 2024 at the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science

Call for Papers open!

Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) is widely used in a variety of research fields including archaeometry, conservation, geology, heritage studies, and many more. However, despite its widespread use, there still remains a lack of understanding of the specific requirements and best practices for handling the instrument across different research applications and materials: The simplicity of the instrument, as easy as pulling a trigger, gives the impression that, compared to laboratory methods, it does not require a specialist to operate it. As a result, there is a lack of training opportunities for practitioners, a deficit of groundwork and innovative studies and a tendency to apply p-XRF in a repetitive manner to the ever-same research questions. This sidelines p-XRF and neglects its innovative potential. Therefore, this conference aims to provide a platform to present cutting-edge methods and strategies for p-XRF data acquisition, processing and interpretation. It aims to highlight practical and software innovations, handling techniques and the new ways of the application of p-XRF to a variety of materials. Presentations from all fields utilizing p-XRF are welcomed as the conference seeks not only to facilitate knowledge exchange and inspire innovative ideas but also to create a forum for specialists and those interested in the method.

Conference Format

The free of charge in-person conference will be held on September 24^th 2024 at the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science (VIAS, Franz-Klein-Gasse 1, 1190 Vienna). Each presenter will be allocated 20 minutes to present the newest ideas and findings, as well as allowing time for discussions and providing networking opportunities. To ensure in-depth engagement and interaction, a maximum of 12 lectures will be accepted. The results of the conference will be published.

A comprehensive program with abstracts will be provided ahead of the conference.

Ice-breaker Event on September 23rd

An ice-breaker event is scheduled for the afternoon of the 23^rd of September at the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Burgring 7, 1010 Wien). The event will include a short workshop led by Daniel Oberndorfer on the effects of restoration methods on p-XRF, followed by a tour of the museum with Karina Grömer. Dinner reservations will be made for an informal get-together.

Submitting Abstracts and Registration

To submit an abstract, please send a summary of no more than 250 words together with your contact details by June 1^st 2024 to michaela.schauer@univie.ac.at.

To register for the conference and/or the ice-breaker event and/or dinner reservations, please fill out this registration template. Registration closes by 11^th of August 2024.