Reference collections, for example osteoarchaeological materials, are available for teaching and research. Many archaeology researchers also use facilities at the Viikki and Kumpula campuses. The laboratory and associated resources are available for UH affiliated researchers, students and research projects.
The archaeology laboratory at the University of Helsinki provides facilities for the processing and analysis of archaeological finds, materials, and artifacts. Materials studied in the laboratory may include various artifact finds, such as ceramic, stone, and metal objects, as well as raw materials used in their manufacture. In addition, the laboratory can process soil and plant samples, as well as human- and animal-derived tissue samples. These materials can be studied, handled, and stored within the laboratory.
The laboratory is equipped with tools for cleaning and processing finds and samples, including wet and dry sieving equipment, as well as tools for cutting, drilling, and grinding samples. The equipment includes reflected-light microscopes (IVD) and stereomicroscopes for the microscopic examination and analysis of various materials such as artifacts, soil samples, fibers, and tissue samples. For color measurements of materials, the laboratory is equipped with a CIELAB spectrometer. General laboratory equipment also includes precision balances, fume hoods, laboratory ovens, a centrifuge for component separation, a water bath, and a homogenizing mill.
The ED-XRF suite houses a Rigaku NEX DE VS X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, suitable for elemental analysis of solid, powder, and liquid inorganic materials. XRF analytics is used to identify raw materials and the geochemical composition of various archaeological materials. The instrument also enables fully non-destructive analysis of samples.
For Archaeological Laboratory inquiries, contact laboratory coordinator Elisabeth Holmqvist (
Our DigiLab is a facility that enables our students to learn and apply different computer-based research methods in archaeology. DigiLab also offers a possibility for our researchers to utilize different software in their research.
We run PC workstations with two A3 drawing displays and, an A3 scanner and a color printer. The computers are equipped with programs available at the University of Helsinki’s software center, including GIS programs like ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. We also have local installations of Adobe Creative Suite and Agisoft Metashape Professional.
Our digital facilities also include Artec Leo 3D scanner and Artec Professional software. An Original Prusa I3 MK2 3D printer enables our students and staff to print 3D visualizations of different archaeological items. Access to Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s printers is also negotiable. Our photography equipment is suitable for documenting and analyzing finds and other archaeological materials.
DigiLab is open for our researchers and students during Topelia’s opening hours at Unioninkatu 38 F, 1st floor room F109. For DigiLab equipment inquiries, contact University instructor Wesa Perttola (
Fieldwork is a central part of our research and teaching. Different fieldwork methods and surveying techniques are taught starting from the BA level, and we have a variety of fieldwork equipment available for our staff and students to use in their own projects.
Our equipment includes Nikon DSLR cameras, Trimble S7 total station, Trimble R10 RTK GPS receiver, Trimble TSC7 and TSC3 controllers. Additionally, we have geophysical equipment (GPR, magnetometer, resistance meter, slingram), a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone for aerial photography, Leica RTC360 laser scanner, fieldwork laptops, and facilities for post-excavation work in the laboratory.
For fieldwork equipment inquiries, contact university Wesa Perttola (