West University of Timişoara (UVT) hosts, from 9 to 11 October 2025, the second RAIA (Romanian Archaeological Institute in Athens) International Conference. The event is dedicated to the renowned archaeologist Dr. habil. Aurel Rustoiu, on his 60th birthday. The conference will bring together researchers from 10 countries, from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
The conference will take place at Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, and the official opening is scheduled for October 10, 2025, 10 am, in the ICAM Auditorium (4C Oituz Street, Timișoara).
The overall theme of this year's edition is "Greeks and Hyperboreans: Cultural interactions between the eastern Mediterranean basin and the populations from the Pontic steppes and temperate Europe (8th century BC–4th century AD)" / "Greeks and Hyperboreans: Cultural Interactions between the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and the Populations of the Pontic Steppes and Temperate Europe (8th Century BC – 4th Century AD)"This edition takes place in anticipation of a special occasion: the 60th anniversary of Dr. Aurel Rustoiu, a highly prestigious archaeologist, whose remarkable contributions, generous mentorship and unwavering dedication have profoundly influenced archaeological research.
The conference is organized by the West University of Timișoara, as co-founder of the Romanian Archaeological Institute in Athens (RAIA), and aims to stimulate international academic dialogue, providing a platform for scientific exchange for archaeologists from diverse cultural backgrounds. RAIA’s mission is to promote the study of prehistoric, classical and medieval archaeology and to strengthen relations with the academic community in Greece by developing joint projects — both in the field of archaeological excavations and in the training of new generations of researchers.
Additional information about the RAIA 2025 International Conference is available at: http://raia.uvt.ro/.
___________________________________
Contacts
Dorel Micle (organizer / RAIA, West University of Timișoara) – Tel. 0721 582 955
Iosif Vasile Ferencz (organizer / West University of Timișoara; Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization Deva) – Tel. 0745 393 254
E-mail: conference.raia2025@e-uvt.ro
