The Advanced Field School in Excavation for the 2025–2026 season trained 29 archaeologists at the Wall of the Crow site in cooperation with the Ancient Egypt Research Association (AERA).
Originally launched in 2005 and halted in 2018, the programme has now trained nearly 400 archaeologists over 18 previous editions, according to the ministry.
The Central Training Unit at the Minister’s Office and the Archaeological Training Centers Department of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) jointly organized the initiative.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy stated that the relaunch is part of efforts to strengthen professional capacity within the ministry and its affiliated bodies. He stressed the importance of international academic partnerships in preparing the next generation of archaeologists.
Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the SCA, said the programme targets inspectors, conservators, and researchers, focusing on updated scientific methods used in archaeological work worldwide.
Participants in the latest round received practical training in excavation techniques, surveying, environmental studies, human osteology, pottery analysis, and photogrammetry, as well as sampling and material analysis from active excavation contexts.
Ahmed Reheima, Assistant Minister for Human Resources Development, said trainees were divided into specialized groups to maximize hands-on learning. He added that graduates are expected to pass on their skills to colleagues across archaeological sites nationwide.
Mark Lehner, director of AERA, said the programme aims to equip Egyptian archaeologists with the tools needed to manage and study their own heritage and to lead future excavation projects.
The ministry said it is coordinating with AERA and the Czech Archaeological Institute to launch another field school later this year at the Abusir archaeological site.
The programme concluded with a certificate ceremony at the Giza Pyramids complex, attended by officials and representatives of the partner institutions
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