The study of human origins has provided some groundbreaking insights into who we really are and where we come from but it is a topic that is hotly debated with many mysteries still remaining. Nuclear science is helping to solve many of these mysteries which is the focal point of a workshop organised by the Embassy of Italy and ANSTO.
The Italian and Australian Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Workshop from 14 – 17 March will bring together some of the greatest minds in the field of archaeology. ANSTO’s workshop committee Chair, Dr Anton Stampfl said archaeologists are making groundbreaking discoveries thanks to innovations in nuclear science.
“The nature of archaeology is to disturb as little as possible, so these imaging techniques which use radiation, such as neutrons, x-rays, electrons, protons, and ions are perfect tools because they are largely non-destructive. So you can look inside an object without breaking it apart. For example, people have used nuclear techniques to look into dinosaurs eggs to see what’s going on inside,” Anton explained.
Other topics of discussion will include the use of DNA to analyse human evolution and migration plus the use of light and neutrons to analyse ancient paintings.
ANSTO and the Australian Synchrotron, along with the University of NSW, Australian National University, University of Wollongong, CSIRO, and international delegates from the University of Padua and the University of Florence will be among the participants of the event.
“This workshop will allow us to form both local collaborations here in Australia and international partnerships.
There are many great experts in Italy with this kind of expertise so with what we have to offer with our neutron
beam lines combined with expertise from overseas, we have the potential to make some great breakthroughs in the field of archaeology,” Anton said.
Published: 11/03/2011