The Austrian Archaeological Institute (Österreichisches Archäologisches Institut = OEAI) is dedicated to the investigation and promotion of knowledge concerning the cultural inheritance of the past civilizations of greco-roman culture in the Mediterranean region, in the regions of the former Danube monarchy, and in the historical heritage of Roman civilization in what is today the Republic of Austria. Although this definition of the chronological and geographical extent of our activities is connected to a historical tradition, this by no means implies a picture of traditionally-oriented historical research. In fact, quite the contrary: as in all the modern European states, archaeology in Austria can be understood as an important component of active cultural politics in contact with the states of south-east Europe and the Mediterranean region. At home as well as in its research institutions abroad, the OEAI sees itself as an instrument for carrying out the functions of conservation of archaeological monuments, and the active protection of historical cultural property.
Our goals are supported via international and national cooperation. Of particular importance are the contacts with scientific institutions and government authorities in the countries in which the OEAI carries out its own independent research activities. In compliance with differing national laws, this research is carried out within the framework of sovereign rights voluntarily granted by the host countries, a situation which is connected to the annual renewal of licences for our work.
The OEAI maintains branches in Greece and Egypt, while the re-establishment of a branch in Turkey has long been hoped for.

In both research and publication activities, numerous forms of cooperation exist with scientific institutions both within Austria and abroad. This is true for Austria's universities as well as for the Austrian Academy of Sciences, an institution which has worked with the OEAI at Ephesos since 1995, within the framework of taking over the patronage of this most well-established research site for Austrian archaeology in Turkey. Furthermore, there exist long-term cooperative ventures in the investigation into the Roman limes in Austria, for example at Carnuntum and Mautern, with desirable synergy.
Together with the National Monument Commission ("Bundesdenkmalamt"), the OEAI works to excavate and conserve monuments according to the laws regarding their conservation. In addition, successful collaborative projects are carried out not only with the National and Regional Museums, but also with numerous regional organizations, which above all serve as partners in the ongoing monument conservation projects when building surveys or structural changes are required.
Of topical importance is the institute's interdisciplinary collaboration with the neighbouring disciplines of the natural sciences, which afford the possibility of the expansion of our historical message.

The scientific publication of the excavated finds and monuments is a resulting obligation of fieldwork. In this regard, the institute publishes its own series of volumes, which are available to a national and international professional public. Of significance with regard to the body of publications of the OEAI is the collaboration with the Publication House of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.



Contact:
Sabine Ladstätter