We are calling for support towards the airfares of early career women from countries with low-exchange rates to attend the 10th World Archaeological Congress. Please see the WAC-10 Call for Support for International Students (WAC-10), the only truly global gathering of archaeologists..
Support will be awarded to participants who have already been awarded sponsored registration and accommodation, but do not have access to funds for airfares. In contrast to their counterparts in more financially privileged nations and more senior scholars, younger scholars, especially women, frequently face limited or no opportunities for institutional assistance and career development.
This situation creates a chronic underrepresentation of this cohort in global academic settings, which means that even the most gifted and diligent scholars are unable to participate—not due to a deficiency in merit, but solely due to financial constraints.
Please help us to help early career female scholars to attend the conference in person and to enrich archaeology and cultural heritage management globally. Donation amounts are in Australian dollars.
Criteria for allocating funding
1. PhD candidate or other early career female scholar (no more than 10 years post PhD) from a low exchange rate country. Extra time will be considered for maternity.
2. Has applied for travel support from the WAC-10 Travel Grants Committee and has been awarded accommodation and registration for WAC-10.
3. Does not have access to institutional or national funding for an airfare or has limited access.
100% of funding will be used towards the airfares of early career female scholars to they can attend WAC-10 in Darwin.
Supporters*
Wendy Beck, Anonymous, Daniel Hicks, Dimitrij Mlekuz Vrhovnik, David R Carlson, Gabriel Cooney, Koji Mizoguchi, Jane Lydon, Robin Torrence, Bonnie Pitblado, Andrew David Orr, Claire Smith, John Schofield, Hannah Cobb, Phil, Doug Williams, Larry Zimmerman, Shalya Monroe, John Jamieson, Lyndon Jacobi, Randall McGuire, Gustavo Politis, Ariadne Prater, Lynley Wallis, Anonymous, Sophie Pickett, Robyn Jenkins, Annie Ross, Margaret Conkey, Christine Williamson, Lisa R. Jett, Rodney Carter, Amber O’Grady, Jo McDonald, John McCarthy, Karina Croucher, Christopher Clark, Lyn Leader-Elliott, Anne Pyburn, Patrice Jeppson, Christine Williamson Heritage Consultants, Kerry Navin, Nicole Boivin, Suzanne Thomas, Genevieve Kan, Liz Hatte, Louise Zarmati, George Gummerman, Jennie Bradbury, Shaymae Iken, Yinika Perston, Maia Dedrick, Natali Pearson, Anonymous, Kathryn Reusch, Maria Franklin, John M Chenoweth, Eduardo Neves, Susan Arthure, Anonymous, Anonymous, Emily Plunkett, Emilie Dott, Anonymous, H. Martin Wobst, Peter Schmidt, Naoko Matsumoto, Amrita Sarkar, Daniel Young, Sandra Varela Lopez, Jillian Comber, Helen Nicholson, Liz Oysters, Miette L Lane Welsh, Ella Ussher, Bishnupriya Basak, Maria Pia Guermandi, Anonymous, Valerie Higgins, Jessie Garland, Alice Gorman, Dr Space Junk, Sonia Archila, Bronwyn Woff, Julia Drew, Anonymous, Alice Gorman, Dr Space Junk, Susan Arthure, Dawn Rutecki, Julie Woods, Alison Wylie, Kisha Supernant, Teresa Krauss, Diane Eagles, Lucia Nixon, Anonymous, Fredeliza Campos, Julie Woods, Celia Boyadjian, Marion Werkheiser, Michael Petraglia, Gary Jackson, Julia J Hollowell, Jordan Ralph, Bob and Roz Layton, WAC-10.
*Donors can elect to remain anonymous
Who Am I Supporting?
“Being the first recipient of the fundraising for young women to attend WAC-10 means so much to me. It’s not just support to attend a conference, it’s a chance to share my voice, grow my network, and feel seen in a global community of scholars. I’m incredibly grateful, and I hope this fund continues to open doors for others like me.”
Mary Otu, Nigeria
“I am highly grateful to people who have donated to enable young female scholars to present their research at WAC-10 in Darwin. This is a boon to young researchers from developing countries as it enables them to interact and discuss their work and to visualize archaeological practices from varied viewpoints.”
Dr. Oishi Roy, India
“My heartfelt thanks to the patrons who have helped raise the funding to support Early Career Women Researchers from developing countries to attend and present their work at WAC-10 Darwin. This opportunity will open many avenues for ECR women to overcome the biases they usually face. Being Chair of the WAC Students Committee since 2020, and my association with WAC SC since 2016, has proven that WAC is a safe space for women from diverse backgrounds, and that it will continue to support women from diverse backgrounds”.
Dr Nupur Tiwari, India
“I’m a PhD student in paleontology and paleogenetics, focusing on ancient ecosystems and evolutionary history through fossils and ancient DNA. I’m honoured to have received a grant to attend WAC-10, where I’ll present my research and connect with a global network of scholars.
“Attending conferences like WAC-10 is a vital step for early career women in science—but many still face financial barriers.
“Please consider donating to the “Help Early Career Women Attend WAC-10” initiative. Your support helps ensure more women can access these opportunities and have their voices heard in shaping the future of archaeology. Thank you!”
Shaymae Iken, Morocco
“I am profoundly thankful to the WAC-10 team and the global sponsors whose support has made my participation feasible. The active participation of women as field directors is crucial for the advancement of archaeology.”
Zahida Quadri, Pakistan
“I have faced significant challenges on my academic journey due to family beliefs that prioritize other pursuits over the education of female children. Despite these obstacles, combined with the limited opportunities available in Nigeria for fostering the growth of young scholars, I work diligently to become a global scholar.
“I appreciate WAC-10 team and the generous donors whose support has created priceless opportunities for young female scholars like myself in achieving our goals. This opportunity given will allowed me to present my research, interact and collaborate with scholars during the WAC-10 conference in Darwin, Australia. I am super excited about the opportunities this experience holds for me and my academic growth. Billions of thanks to the individuals that have made this possible.”
Kenechukwu Daniel, Nigeria
“I am honoured to receive travel funding to attend WAC 10. Having a purchased ticket should demonstrate the seriousness of my travel intentions and, I hope, strengthen my visa application. I truly hope my visa will be approved. This support enables me to engage with leading voices in the field, share my work, and contribute to meaningful conversations that shape our collective future.”
Bushra Noreen, Pakistan
“Being able to attend WAC-10 completely exceeded my expectations, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the donors and the inclusion and diversity values that characterize this Congress. This opportunity and the privilege it entails are something I embrace with the utmost responsibility and commitment. I genuinely hope I can live up to the efforts of building a discipline that leaves no one behind.
“I am deeply grateful for the support that will allow me to be part of such an important archaeological meeting. My infinite and most sincere thanks to the donors for making this pivotal experience possible.”
Lucía Gutiérrez, Argentina
“As an Early Career Woman in academia, it is often not just the research or the ambition that defines the path forward, but also the access to opportunities. Receiving support to attend WAC-10, my very first international conference outside my country, is a deeply empowering moment in my academic journey. I thank all the individuals who donated, supported, or simply believed in the importance of this initiative. Your kindness is creating ripples far beyond what you may see. You are enabling young women scholars like me, who may have the passion and capability but not always the means, to take our rightful place in international dialogues. It gives me hope that the future of our field will be more inclusive, more representative, and more humane.”
Sanya Gupta, India
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the ECR (Early Career Researcher) support fund. Your generosity has played a crucial role in empowering young researchers like me to take our first steps onto an international stage. I am also sincerely thankful to the organizing committee of WAC-10 for introducing such a thoughtful and inclusive initiative. For me, being selected under this scheme is not only an incredible opportunity but also a meaningful achievement. As an early career researcher, it means a great deal to be able to present my ideas and represent myself in a global academic forum. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one of you who helped make this possible.”
Prity Rawat, India
“I express my sincere gratitude to the entire WAC-10 team and sponsors whose incredible support has made my participation inclined more towards a reality coming true. This platform will definitely open avenues for Early Career Researcher Women category like me to initiate, interact and collaborate with scholars, scientists and researchers around the corners of the world. Attending a conference like WAC-10 at an International Platform is not only a leap towards sharing initial research domain, but a financial support ensures more women researchers shape the future of Archaeology into a more promising domain. Again a big thank you to the entire team who had made this possible.”
Dr. Tanusree Pandit, India
“I am a doctoral candidate in Department of A. I. H. C and Archaeology, Deccan College Post-graduate and Research Institute Pune, India. My area of specialization is in prehistoric archaeology. I am grateful to the WAC-10 team and all the fund donors for this noble cause. This is my first international conference out of my country. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. This will elevate my academic growth.”
Suman Pandey, India
“Expressing my deepest gratitude for the generous support, which has made it possible for me to attend the 10th World Archaeological Congress (WAC-10). Your contribution covering the expenses has alleviated significant financial burdens, allowing me to fully engage in this invaluable experience.
“Attending WAC-10 has been a transformative opportunity to connect with esteemed scholars, share research, and immerse myself in the latest developments in archaeology. The insights gained and the connections made will undoubtedly influence my future work and aspirations. Please know that your investment in my professional growth is deeply appreciated. I am committed to honouring your support by contributing meaningfully to our field and community.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering belief in the power of knowledge and collaboration. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and I am profoundly grateful.”
Doujita Kasfi, Bangladesh
“Being an enthusiastic researcher, I extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredible generosity that has made it possible for me to participate in WAC-10. Your support is not just financial assistance, it is a profound encouragement that motivates me to continue growing, aspiring, and contributing meaningfully to the field of archaeology.
“Through your kindness, young women scholars like myself are not only able to present our research but are also welcomed into a global academic community where our voices are recognized, respected, and uplifted.
“Attending WAC-10 in Darwin is a transformative opportunity. It enables me to share my research on an international stage, gain insights from a wide range of perspectives, and forge valuable connections that will significantly influence my academic journey.
“Your belief in our potential is creating a lasting impact for the future by contributing to a more inclusive and representative academic world. Thank you for walking alongside us. I am truly grateful for your support and excited about the path ahead.”
Dilshad Fatima, India
“It is extremely difficult to secure funds from this part of the globe, and we had to let go of many great opportunities for lack of support. I was not even sure last month if I could join or not. But I keep working and now I know the journey was worthwhile. I feel incredibly grateful to the whole WAC-10 team and patrons whose benevolence made it possible for me to attend this wonderful gathering of like-minded people. This invaluable experience, learning & networking will help me to bring back new ideas and connections to enrich my research and community.”
Fatiha Polin, Bangladesh
“As a woman starting my career in archaeology, I’m deeply thankful about the opportunity given, to be able to assist the WAC-10 and show my work alongside my colleagues. Projects like this show an active effort to keep the conversations in the academic world as diverse and rich as possible, which is something that in our field it’s important and necessary. I truly hope that instances like this keep arriving to help many others.”
Rocío Fuenzalida, Chile
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals whose generosity and belief in the importance of inclusive academic spaces have enabled my participation in WAC-10, my first international conference outside India. This support has opened doors to academic exposure, cross-cultural learning, and global dialogue that will shape my academic growth. I am especially thankful to the WAC Student Committee for their dedicated efforts to empower early career female scholars, and I offer my deepest appreciation to the Academic Secretary of WAC-10 for their thoughtful guidance and encouragement. A very special thanks to the entire WAC-10 Organising Committee, whose vision and hard work have created a platform where voices like mine can be heard, supported, and celebrated. Your collective efforts are making a lasting difference in the lives of young scholars across the world.”
Nibedita Naskar, India
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for all the generous support to our campaign.
“As one of the selected participants, I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity to represent my region, engage with international peers, and bring home knowledge, networks, and inspiration that I hope to share widely. This goes far beyond financial help, it is an investment in equity, representation, and the future of our field.
“From the bottom of my heart — thank you for believing in our potential and for helping pave the way for early-career women in archaeology.”
Vitória Dioto De Brito
“Deeply honoured to receive support to attend the WAC-10 Conference in Darwin, Australia—a meaningful milestone in my academic and professional journey. This initiative is a powerful step toward greater inclusion and the empowerment of women in our field.
“My heartfelt thanks to the organizers and donors for their trust and vision. May this fund continue to open doors and create lasting impact for women worldwide.”
Neha Singh, India
“I am Sudeshna Biswas, a PhD candidate at the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, India, and Co-Chair, Student Committee WAC-10. I sincerely thank the organisers of the World Archaeology Congress 10 for awarding me full sponsorship to visit Darwin for participation in WAC-10. This opportunity will greatly enrich my academic pursuits and allow me to connect with researchers from around the world. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, gaining new insights, and building lasting collaborations that will inspire and strengthen my research journey. I am truly grateful for this support and the chance to be part of such a vibrant scholarly archaeological community. I am also obliged to be co-chairing the Student Committee, WAC-10, and launching the successful ECR Fundraising campaign that received so much love and support across the globe”
Sudeshna Biswas, India
Organisers
Sudeshna Biwas (India), Co-Chair WAC-10 Student Committee
Lucia Gutiérrez (Argentina), Co-Chair WAC-10 Student Committee
Claire Smith (Australia), Academic Secretary WAC-10
Heather Burke (Australia), Chair, Program Committee WAC-10
WAC-10 Student Committee
Lucía Gutiérrez
Lucía Gutiérrez is an Argentine archaeologist from University of Buenos Aires (UBA), currently in the last phase of her PhD, funded by UBA and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). She studies the use and management of coloring resources through archaeometric analyses of rock art and other painted artifacts from Patagonian hunter-gatherer contexts (Early to Late Holocene).
Sudeshna Biswas
Sudeshna Biswas is a PhD candidate at the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India, working in rock art research in the Central India, ethnoarchaeology, and archaeological anthropology. She is a University Gold Medalist in post-graduation from the University of Delhi, India and she is currently supported by the prestigious University Grants Commission (UGC), India, Senior Research Fellowship for her doctoral work. Her academic interests encompass socio-cultural anthropology, qualitative research, tribal studies and archaeological anthropology, with a particular focus on understanding human cognition, cultural patterns, and the anthropological interpretations of rock art and heritage. Beyond her academic endeavours, she is a trained vocalist in Indian Classical Music, blending cultural heritage with her scholarly pursuits.
