Petition to save 'world leading' Sheffield archaeology department tops 27,000 signatures

A petition set up by students and academics to save Sheffield University’s ‘world leading’ archaeology department has gathered more than 27,000 signatures since Thursday (May 20).
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At the time of writing the petition stood at 27,770 signatures, with cntributions from all over the world and among the archaeology community.

It was launched following a review carried out at the university, which set out three options for the future of the department.

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The petition organisers say two of those options – the two highlighted as the most likely by some of the professors employed there – would effectively mean the closure of the department once current students have graduated and redundancies for staff.

Archaeology staff and students outside Sheffield University's Ella Armitage building. Picture Scott MerryleesArchaeology staff and students outside Sheffield University's Ella Armitage building. Picture Scott Merrylees
Archaeology staff and students outside Sheffield University's Ella Armitage building. Picture Scott Merrylees

They are calling on the University to back the other option – which is to continue funding the department, which attracts students and academics from all over the world and has carried out vital research, including ongoing projects at Stonehenge.

A University of Sheffield spokesperson said: “The University of Sheffield has undertaken a review of its Department of Archaeology. Staff and student representatives participated in the review, and no decisions have been taken.”