Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland

The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland was established in 2001. The mission of IAI, through the representation of our members, is to advance the profession of archaeology by seeking to promote development, education, contact, regulation, high standards and public dissemination of its work.

Three-Year Plan (2012-2015)

Introduction

The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland was established in August 2001. As of October 2011 it had 331 members, including associate and graduate members. Its registered offices are located at 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 and are currently staffed by an administrator on a part-time basis. The Institute adopted and operated a five-year plan from 2003-2009. A five-year plan for the period 2010-14 was drafted but was never formally adopted. The economic and social changes that have occurred in the western world from September 2007 have had a dramatic impact on Ireland. As a consequence, the archaeological profession has suffered heavily in terms of loss of employment, as well as a haemorrhaging of personnel out of the profession altogether. In this radically new social climate the Institute has had to navigate through the economic down-turn and has done well simply to survive. However, with the election of new governments in the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 2011, and the implementation of recovery strategies for the economies of both jurisdictions, it now seems timely to once again to look to the future and adopt a vision for the archaeological profession over the coming years. In this regard, a decision has been made by the Executive Board of the Institute to draft, and to seek the adoption of, a three-year strategic plan, the objectives of which are outlined below.

Defining archaeology: a profession and a cultural practice

At the outset, we need to remind ourselves of who we are and what we are about. Archaeology exists in a variety of guises, ranging from theories of knowledge and legislative protection to scientific excavation and amateur research. It is widely recognised as a key cultural resource which, along with history, entertains sustains and binds individuals, communities and societies through appreciation of cultural identity. In order to maintain the archaeological resource, it is acknowledged that a cadre of trained professionals are required to research, protect, manage and promote the physical traces of the past. The Institute seeks to fulfil this role for professional archaeologists on the island of Ireland.

Core principles, values and mandate

The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland was established to enhance and coordinate the work of archaeologists on the island of Ireland, and in so doing, to promote and protect the archaeological resource. Its core principle is to provide a forum and voice for archaeologists to promote thinking and debate on anything relating to the practice of archaeology. In order to relate these principles to practice, the work of the Institute is governed by a constitution. A key element of this is the Executive Board which facilitates the adoption of standards and policies that embody current best-practice. The Board seeks regular mandates from its members to engage in a range of activities - lobbying, educating, promoting, publicising, publishing, facilitating, funding – that seek to uphold these principles and values.

• Codes of Conduct
• IAI Three Year Plan
• International Relations
• Advocacy