50 Years of Discovery conference
Join us for a landmark celebration of the people, places, and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of archaeology and heritage in the East of England. This two-day conference, hosted by Norfolk County Council's Environment Service, marks 50 years of recording, protecting, and managing Norfolk's archaeology and historic environment for our own and future generations.
Held at the University of East Anglia, the programme will feature talks by leading archaeologists, local researchers, and heritage professionals, exploring the past five decades of discovery — and what lies ahead.
Event details
The event will take place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025, 8.45am to 4.30pm.
The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia
Over two days we will explore the past five decades of discovery and what lies ahead. There will be talks by leading archaeologists, researchers, heritage professionals, and members of the public exploring the past five decades of discovery — and what lies ahead
The Castle
On Saturday evening we're hosting an exclusive reception at Norwich Castle Museum giving you the chance to mingle with speakers and delegates in this iconic building. The reception includes a talk by Dr Tim Pestell on the Royal Palace Reborn project which has transformed Norwich Castle's iconic Keep (reopened in 2025).
Tickets
'There is the option to attend the full weekend just part depending on your availability. You can book tickets for in person or online streaming. View the full ticket options and book your place on Eventbrite.
Conference Bursaries for Early Career Researchers and Students
We are delighted to announce that the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) has kindly offered to fund two conference tickets (up to a value of £120 each) to support early career researchers and students attending 50 Years of Discovery: celebrating half a century of archaeology and heritage in the East of England.
This exciting opportunity will enable two successful applicants to take part in the conference at the University of East Anglia (1-2 November 2025), connect with leading archaeologists and heritage professionals, and contribute to discussions shaping the next 50 years of discovery.
How to apply
To apply, please email [email protected] with:
Your name and contact details
Your current role / course of study and institution (if applicable)
A short statement (maximum of 200 words) on why you would like to attend the conference and how it will benefit your career development.
The data are being collected for the purpose of the 50 Years of Discovery conference and will not be used for any other purpose. NCC will share the information of the successful applicant with CIfA only. No other data will be shared with third parties. Contact details will be retained for the period of conference planning, after which they will be destroyed.
All details will be destroyed by the end of November 2025. You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting us at [email protected].
For more information on how Norfolk County Council deals with your personal data, please see our General Privacy Notice.
Conditions
As part of CIfA's generous support, successful applicants will be asked to write a short summary of their conference experience and how attendance has helped to develop their career. This summary will be shared with CIfA and may also be featured in post-conference communications.
Applications are open now and will close on 10 October 2025.
We encourage all eligible early career archaeologists and students with an interest in heritage in Norfolk and the east of England to apply.
