Field School 2025

The Lazaretto Nuovo Field School is focused on the bioarchaeology of human remains and is designed for postgraduate students and graduates with a background in forensics, physical anthropology, and archaeology who require real-world experience. Spaces are limited and will be assigned to applicants who meet admission criteria until the quota has been reached. Prior field or academic experience in archaeology and bioarchaeology is recommended but not required.

Students and graduates of archaeology, physical anthropology, or related disciplines are invited to apply (the minimum age is 18 years). Due to the nature of the work participants must be physically able to undertake all duties, including carrying equipment.  

Applications are reviewed as soon as they are received, and suitable applicants are notified after close of each round. The CFA reserves the right to verify any of the information reported in the application form and request supporting documentation. All decisions regarding enrolment are final.

In 2024, The Centre for Forensic Anthroloplogy, in collaboration with the Archeoclub Venezia, excavated an undisturbed primary mass grave dating to the second plague pandemic in Europe (16th century ACE). This season we will be investigating the human remains and associated artefacts recovered from the grave. 

Over the 3 weeks we will be undertaking various tasks routinely used in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology, including handling human remains, photography, skeletal inventory, assessing biological profile and paleopathology. During the field season students will develop an appreciation for the complexity of buried human remains, including the challenges of taphonomy, fragmentation and commingling. 

The archaeological material collected within the graves (predominantly Italian sgraffito ware) will also undergo cataloguing.

The work is undertaken in a unique and picturesque location on an uninhabited island in the Venetian lagoon. 

The field school dates are: Sunday 15th June to Saturday 5th July 2025. 

Round 1 applications close 31st January, 2025; successful applicants will be notified on a rolling basis until all places have been filled.  

A participation cost of $3,600 Australian dollars covers food and lodging.