Welcome to the 8th Portuguese Meeting of Paleopatology

The Laboratory of Biological Anthropology (Department of Biology, University of Évora), in partnership with CIAS (Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra) and the HERCULES Laboratory (University of Évora), is pleased to invite all researchers, students, and interested parties to participate in the 8th Portuguese Meeting of Paleopathology.

The meeting will be held on 10th and 11th September, 2026.

The Setting: Évora

This year, the meeting moves to the historic city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as the perfect backdrop for historical and anthropological discussion. Beyond its Roman Temple and medieval walls, Évora holds a unique significance for the field of Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology. The city is home to the iconic Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), a 17th-century monument that reminds us of the profound connection between human remains, memory, and history. Évora’s rich archaeological landscape provides a stimulating environment to discuss the biological history of past populations.

Objectives and Target Audience

This interdisciplinary event aims to highlight the latest advances in paleopathological research, both in Portugal and internationally. Our goal is to shed light on the history of the discipline while reinforcing its crucial role in reconstructing the lives and health of past populations.

The meeting is designed for students and professionals in the fields of:

  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Archaeology and History
  • Medicine and Health Sciences

However, we warmly welcome participation from anyone with training or interest in related areas of knowledge.

Themes

The scientific program will focus on the following research topics:

  1. History of Paleopathology: Reflections on the discipline’s evolution.
  2. The Paleopathological Record: Case studies from Portuguese territory and other regions of the world.
  3. Paleopathology and Interdisciplinarity: Bridging gaps between sciences.
  4. Methodological Advances: New technologies and approaches in paleopathological research.

Official Languages

The official languages of the meeting are Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

Venue

The event will take place at the magnificent Colégio do Espírito Santo, the main building of the University of Évora, located within the city’s historical center. colégio espirito santo évora – Google Maps