The Cyprus Institute is an institution focused on research, technology and innovation, providing an ideal context for the development of archaeological science laboratories in a manner that universities and other teaching-focussed institutions may find difficult.
The Archaeological Science Laboratories at the Cyprus Institute
The Archaeological Science Laboratories at the Cyprus Institute have developed into a comprehensive hub for archaeological research, equipped with a wide range of advanced instruments.
Central facilities include the Zeiss EVO 15 Scanning Electron Microscope with Oxford Instruments Maxxim Energy-Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), the Zeiss AxioImager M3 polarising light microscope, and a dedicated petrography microscope for ceramic thin-section studies acquired through the MSCA-DN PlaCe project. These are supported by multiple stereomicroscopes (some with dual viewing and digital cameras), digital imaging systems, and sample-preparation equipment, including geological sieves, a flotation device, a Rotofix 32A centrifuge, a Lab Companion PMH-720 fume hood, and a Faithful GP 45BE oven/incubator.
For field and museum work, the labs use a Hitachi Xpert handheld XRF analyser, a portable wafer saw, and the Scan-In-A-Box FX structured-light 3D scanner. Together, these facilities enable microstructural, chemical, archaeobotanical, osteological, and 3D digital analyses, all regulated by Standard Operating Protocols developed under the EU-funded Promised project.
a platform for stable isotope research
The laboratories also serve as a platform for stable isotope research (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen), with sample preparation conducted at the CyI Facility for Chemical Analyses through the ChemTreat project, and collaborative mass spectrometry carried out with the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research (University of Cambridge) and KU Leuven. In parallel, the labs are consolidating extensive reference collections, including zooarchaeological skeletons (SACHROFICS project), human osteological casts, archaeobotanical specimens (in collaboration with the A. G. Leventis Botanical Gardens), prepared archaeological materials samples, and a growing digital 3D archive of skeletal remains. By combining advanced instrumentation, collaborative networks, and curated collections, the Archaeological Science Laboratories position the Cyprus Institute as a leading centre for archaeological science in Cyprus and the wider region.
Our Labs
At present, archaeological science research at the Cyprus Institute is conducted in three sets of laboratories, all situated in the western half of the STARC building. These are: The Environmental Lab, the Osteoarchaeological Lab, the Archaeological Materials Science Labs.
Francesca Piovani
Founder, CEO & Architect
Rhye Moore
Engineering Manager
Helga Steiner
Architect
Ivan Lawrence
Project Manager
