ICAP2025

The PROSPECT international thematic network on archaeological prospection at Ghent University, along with its partners, is proud to present the 16^th International Conference on Archaeological Prospection in Ghent (Belgium) from 15-20 September, 2025.

On behalf of the International Society for Archaeological Prospection (ISAP), the conference seeks to offer a platform for presenting and discussing the latest advancements and innovative research in archaeological prospection. It will encompass the full range of approaches for detecting, locating, and investigating buried cultural heritage.  These span non-invasive techniques such as near-surface geophysics and remote sensing, as well as invasive approaches including borehole survey and trial trenching, alongside the suite of associated methods focused on  data processing, visualization, and archaeological interpretation.

Get to know our local organizing committee & scientific committee.

Meet the ICAP2025 sponsors whose generous support makes this conference possible.

Deadlines

Abstracts

• Submission: 6/12/2024
• Review: 20/2/2025
• Revision: 20/4/2025
• Notification of acceptance: 1/5/2025

Registration

• Early-bird: 1/3/2025
• Regular: 1/7/2025

Preliminary program

Monday 15 September

• Workshop on archaeological prospection data processing using Open-Source software (limited number of places)
• Evening: Welcome to Ghent with reception in the Ghent city hall

Tuesday 16 September

• Morning: Registration + Oral paper sessions
• Afternoon: Oral paper sessions
• Evening: Opening Reception at the Gravensteen castle

Wednesday 17 September

• Morning: Oral paper sessions
• Afternoon: Poster session
• Evening: Conference dinner in Chaptre Hall St. Peter’s Abbey

Thursday 18 September

• Morning: Oral paper sessions
• Afternoon: Oral paper sessions
• PROSPECT partner meeting

Friday 19 September

• Morning: Oral paper sessions
• Afternoon: Oral paper sessions
• AGM ISAP

Saturday 20 September

• (optional) Excursion to Bruges and the Zwin region

Sessions & Keynotes

• read all information

Abstracts

Until the deadline, abstracts can be submitted for scientific poster or oral presentations (max. 15 minutes) that fit within our sessions.

Abstract formats:

• Short abstract: 2 pages, 1 image (poster presentations).
• Extended abstract: 4 pages, 3 images (oral and poster presentations).
• All submissions for oral presentations require an extended abstract.
• For poster submissions, authors can choose to submit either a short or extended abstract.

Submitted conference abstracts will receive two blind peer reviews, proposing revisions and will be published upon acceptance in a special open access issue in ArcheoSciences, revue d’Archéométrie by 15.09.2025.

A printed copy of the conference abstract can be ordered during registration.

Fees & Registration

Preliminary fees:

Registration type	Registration date	Conference	Pre-Conference workshop*	Welcome reception*	Opening reception*	Conference diner*	Excursion*	Printed abstract book*
Early bird reduced**	<1/6/2025	€ 120	€ 15	€ 0	€ 40	€ 80	€ 65	€ 30
Early bird regular	<1/6/2025	€ 220	€ 15	€ 0	€ 40	€ 80	€ 65	€ 30
Regular	>1/6/2025	€ 320	€ 15	€ 0	€ 40	€ 80	€ 65	€ 30

• for early career practitioners: you will normally have graduated within the last three years and be working in archaeological prospection on a junior level, either paid or voluntarily;
• for students: if you are registered at a university or further education college for a degree or PhD programme.

Locations

Conference venue

Virginie Loveling Building (VAC Ghent)

Address: Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 70, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (view map)

Welcome reception

Ghent city Hall, Pacification room, Botermarkt 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (view map)

Opening reception

Address: Gravensteen, Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (view map)

Conference diner

Address: Sint-Pietersabdij, Sint-Pietersplein 9, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (view map)

Ghent

There are many reasons not to come to Ghent (with ICAP2025 not being one of them!).

Ghent is a captivating Belgian city that blends medieval charm with modern culture. Highlights include Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and its scenic canals and streets lined with historic buildings. Known for its vibrant arts scene, street art, and numerous museums, Ghent also offers a lively atmosphere fueled by its student population. With cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants, it’s an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and travelers seeking a rich cultural experience.

The most important information for visitors has been compiled on visit.gent.be.

Hotels

We have arranged a direct booking link for conference attendees with the Ghent-hotels non-profit, which arranges bookings without commission and with a 10% discount.

How to get to Ghent?

• To Ghent by plane
• To Ghent by train
• To Ghent by car

Videos:

• How to get to Ghent from Brussels Airport Zaventem?
• How to get to Ghent from Brussels-South railway station?
• How to reach Ghent by car?

How to get around Ghent?

Ghent is very bike friendly and has affordable public transport.

Visa

Read all the information about the visa requirements for Belgium.

Social events & Excursion

Social events

• 15/09/2025: Welcome reception at the City Hall.
• 16/09/2025: Opening reception at the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts).
• 17/09/2025: Conference dinner in the Chapter Room of the Saint Peter’s abbey.

Excursion

The medieval port of Bruges and the Zwin estuary were a dynamic landscape shaped for centuries by the interaction between nature and humans. The Zwin turned Bruges into an economic and cultural hub, with several thriving port settlements along its shores. However, after 1500, Bruges and its ports declined, leaving the medieval landscape as a remnant. The results of more than ten years of archaeological, historical, and geophysical research by Ghent University in Bruges and the surrounding area will be the guideline of the scientific excursion on 20/09/2025.

Instructions for presenters

For Poster Presentations

• Poster Format: Prepare your poster in A0 size (841 mm x 1189 mm), in portrait orientation, and bring the printed version to the conference.
• Materials Provided: We will supply the necessary materials to hang your poster.
• Poster Setup: Please hang your poster as soon as you arrive. The posters will remain on display for the conference duration (Tuesday – Friday).
• Poster Pitch: Prepare a concise 2-minute pitch to be presented during the plenary session. If you are unable to present it at the conference, a recorded video is required. Please practice your pitch to stay within the 2-minute limit, and feel free to use one slide (of your poster) if it helps illustrate your main points.
• Poster Session: You are required to be present at your poster during the designated poster session on Wednesday afternoon.

For Oral Presentations

• Presentation Format: Prepare your presentation as a PDF or in Microsoft PowerPoint format, and bring it on a USB drive.
• Presentation Timing: Each presentation is allotted 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion. The session chair will signal you when 2 minutes remain in your presentation time.
• Technical Setup: Please upload your presentation to the conference laptop during the break before your session (refer to the detailed program for timing), or, if you’re presenting in the first session, between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., or the evening before.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Academic Sponsors

Commercial sponsors

Are you interested in exhibiting  at ICAP 2025? Read more about sponsoring.

Contact

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on our website, feel free to reach out to us via prospect@ugent.be.