ATRIUM Training School at ADS, University of York – A Personal Report

When I received the invitation to participate in the ATRIUM Training School hosted by the Archaeology Data Service (ADS), I saw it as an excellent opportunity to strengthen my digital skills and gain clearer insight into international standards of archaeological data management. It was also my first time in York — something that added its own charm to the experience. Between sessions, I had the chance to explore the medieval streets, walk the city walls, visit museums, discover small shops, enjoy a few local pubs, and get a glimpse of the wider North Yorkshire landscape.

Throughout the week, we heard from several ADS specialists who generously shared their workflows and day-to-day practices, from ingest and documentation to preservation, access, and dissemination. Their openness made the training school feel both practical and approachable.

Monday 10 November — Introductions and First Impressions

We began with a warm welcome from Dr Nicky Garland, who outlined the structure of the programme and the broader mission of ADS. A tour of King’s Manor and the ADS offices helped situate everything within its historical and institutional context.

Soon after, I introduced myself and my work at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea. It was equally interesting to hear from the other participants — each with different backgrounds, research interests, and levels of experience with digital tools. These first introductions immediately set a collaborative tone for the week. We also had a look at selected highlights from the ADS collections, which offered a clear sense of the variety and scale of digital archaeological resources managed by the service.

Tuesday 11 November — Data Management in Practice

Tuesday focused on the foundations of responsible data management: open research in cultural heritage, the FAIR and CARE principles, data management plans, and the crucial role of metadata. The interactive metadata session was particularly useful and even enjoyable. Working through practical examples showed how small documentation decisions directly affect the long-term usability of archaeological data. I could already see multiple connections with the workflows and legacy archives in my own institution. Informal discussions during breaks were equally valuable — it was fascinating to hear how different institutions across Europe deal with similar challenges in data organisation.

Wednesday 12 November — Digital Preservation, Workflows, and the Keynote Lecture

Wednesday offered a detailed look into digital preservation: sustainable formats, migration and normalisation strategies, and selection and retention approaches. The walkthrough of the ADS archiving workflow provided a realistic picture of the steps involved in turning raw digital material into a long-term, reusable archive.

Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to attend the keynote lecture, “Introducing the Heritage Science Data Service: Unlocking potential for innovation in heritage science and conservation research,” presented by Dr Nicky Garland.

In the evening, we headed to a local pub with members of the ADS team — a relaxed opportunity to continue the day’s conversations and to get to know the people behind the workflows.

Thursday 13 November — Dissemination, Reuse, and Public Engagement

Thursday shifted the focus from preservation to reuse and visibility. Sessions explored archive interfaces, communication strategies, digital publications, and real case studies demonstrating how archived datasets can be rediscovered and reinterpreted.

This strongly resonated with my responsibilities in public outreach back in Achaea. It was a reminder that archaeological data gains real value when it becomes accessible, understandable, and reusable beyond the boundaries of our offices. We also prepared objectives for the one-to-one sessions of the following day, allowing each participant to think through the specific challenges of their institution.

Friday 14 November — Carpentries, R, and One-to-One Guidance

Friday began with an introduction to the Carpentries and a hands-on workshop on R. Although I was a complete beginner, Nicky Garland’s clear explanations and patient guidance made the material surprisingly approachable. I left feeling confident enough to continue exploring R and its potential applications for archaeological data. In the afternoon, a one-to-one meeting with an ADS archivist gave me the chance to discuss the specific circumstances of my institution: the volume of excavation material, the structure of our existing archives, and the challenges of ensuring long-term accessibility. Her suggestions were practical, realistic, and directly applicable.

Walking through York for the last time that evening, I felt that the week had offered exactly what I hoped for — structured training, genuine exchanges, and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.

What I’m Taking Back Home

The training school equipped me with several tools and perspectives that I can immediately apply:

• More consistent metadata practices for excavation and archival records.

• A clearer understanding of digital preservation workflows and sustainable formats.

• Practical ideas for improving the organisation, safety, and long-term accessibility of our institutional archives.

• Initial familiarity with R and new pathways for exploring archaeological data analytically.

• New approaches to communication and digital dissemination.

Conclusions and Acknowledgments

Overall, the ATRIUM Training School was well-organized, packed with practical insights, and offered a friendly and supportive environment. Over the week, I gained new skills in data management and digital preservation, received tailored guidance during one-to-one sessions, and attended an inspiring keynote lecture. A visit to the ATRIUM Training School was made possible thanks to the funding provided for participation. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the funders for supporting this opportunity. I am especially grateful to Dr Nicky Garland and the ADS team for their guidance, patience, and warm welcome throughout the week. I also thank my fellow participants — the lively discussions, shared experiences, and personal connections made this experience truly memorable. I look forward to applying what I learned at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea and sharing these insights with colleagues, contributing to better management, preservation, and accessibility of archaeological data.

About the Author

Konstantina Soura is an archaeologist at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea (Hellenic Ministry of Culture), with extensive experience in field excavation, artefact documentation, and archaeological heritage management. She has published research articles on topics related to Greek archaeology and has presented her work at national and international conferences.