Back in May 2024, the Scientific Research Network had its very first face-to-face meeting in the beautiful setting of the Old Abbey in Kortenberg, Belgium. Included in the programme was an opening keynote from Fien Danniau of the University of Ghent, who challenged the group to think more critically about the idea of citizen science. Eero Hyvönen, Jouni Touminen and Eljas Oksanen of Aalto University and the University of Helsinki

presented ideas to begin discussions for our next face-to-face gathering all together in Helsinki in 2025. In addition to stimulating presentations, the group engaged in walk-and-talk sessions around the grounds of the Abbey to start exploring the concept of Heritage Practice Community, engaged in an excursion to nearby Everberg with local heritage expert Walter Sevenants. And, of course, the group got to know each other - crucial for the SRN!

Fien Danniau provides important food for thought in her keynote lecture.

Walter Sevenants of Archeologische Werkgroep Kortenberg, keeping the group on tenterhooks as he explained recent archaeological discoveries and theories in the area.

Catching up with colleagues, old and new, during much-needed downtime in the evening at beautiful Kortenberg Old Abbey.

And of course, a group photo to mark out first meeting. Scholars based in Flanders, Wales, Sweden, Denmark and Finland came together for a shared purpose of academic exploration.