Hello readers,

After a long gap, I am writing this blog, and for a quick update, let me first introduce myself. I am Dr. Ekta Singh, an Assistant Professor at Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts, Shoolini University. I completed my PhD in Himalayan Archaeology from HNB Garhwal University and joined this university in 2021. Here, I teach History and Archaeology and actively engage in my Himalayan archaeological research assignments, with my core study area being the Spiti Valley on the Indo-Tibet Border. This cold, barren desert land has produced many promising archaeological remains.

I consider myself a nomadic person, traveling from one place to another depending on the purpose of the visit. Sometimes it involves archaeological exploration, attending conferences, or simply savoring delicious food from different places. For me, most of my travels are work-related, and I feel fortunate that my work and passion align so well. My research on Himalayan archaeology has taken me not only to different parts of the country but also to various parts of the world. This time, it was Italy, a beautiful country with historical landmarks and quaint landscapes. The occasion was the XXI International Union for Quaternary Association held at Sapienza University in Roma. INQUA is an organization promoting Quaternary studies worldwide, encompassing various social and scientific disciplines. Established in 1928, INQUA serves as the representative body for Quaternary science.

Quaternary studies hold significant importance in archaeology, especially in Himalayan archaeology, due to their focus on understanding and interpreting the geological and environmental changes that have occurred in the Earth’s history during the Quaternary Period. The Quaternary Period spans approximately the last 2.6 million years, and it includes the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Quaternary studies in Himalayan archaeology offer a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between humans and their environments over geological timescales. By revealing the region’s environmental history, these studies enhance our understanding of human cultural evolution and heritage, while also providing valuable information for addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and natural hazards.

INQUA is dedicated to removing barriers and fostering diversity and inclusivity by providing funding opportunities for early career and developing country researchers, enabling their participation in the international scientific networks that INQUA supports.

Attending the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA) conference provides Early Career Researchers (ECRs) like me with numerous advantages, including unparalleled networking opportunities to establish connections with experts and peers worldwide. ECRs can access diverse sessions and workshops to learn about cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approaches. Presenting their own research enhances presentation and communication skills, while exposure to funding opportunities and career development resources supports future research endeavors. INQUA conferences offer a chance to stay updated with the latest trends, gain research visibility, and find inspiration from passionate researchers, ultimately nurturing a successful and rewarding career in Quaternary studies.

My attendance at the INQUA conference was made possible by the full cover grant awarded to me by INQUA itself, which demonstrates their dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity by supporting ECRs and researchers from developing countries.

During this event, I, along with four women scientists from India, namely, Dr. Nupur Tiwari from IIT Bombay, Dr. Garmina Khansili from Northeast Hill University, Ms. Diptimayee Behera from IISER Mohali, and Ms. Priyanka Singh from Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleosciences, proposed a session on challenges in dating faced by the scientific community. Our session, numbered 134, was titled “How Absolute and How Relative: Challenges and Resolutions Associated with Applying Dating Techniques in the Quaternary Period.” We received 32 papers for our session, out of which we had to choose 7 for oral presentation and a few for the poster session. The session was enriched with lively discussions and potential collaborations leading to future publications.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to present my paper on Spiti Valley in a session focusing on the studies related to the Silk Route area and its surroundings. The session was quite intense, with scholars from around the world actively engaged in discussions about the challenges they are facing in trans Himalayan region. Our Asian colleagues showed great enthusiasm for this session.

Additionally, I was part of the Indian Delegation team bidding for the next INQUA to be held in India in 2027. After a lot of hard work put in by our senior scientists, Dr. Binita Phartyal of BSIP and Dr. Pradeep Srivastava from IIT Roorkee, and their team, we won the bid, and XXII INQUA is scheduled to take place in Lucknow in February 2027. Another great news for India was that Dr. Pradeep was elected as the Vice President of INQUA.

Participating in conferences like these provides us with an opportunity to represent our country, university, and study area on a global platform. By attending such conferences, we learn about new research and become acquainted with the latest techniques employed by scholars worldwide. Additionally, it opens up prospects for new collaborations with the international scientific community, thereby enhancing our research work in the current scenario. I am grateful to work at Shoolini University, which is research-oriented and understands the importance of being present at these international conferences.