Birkbeck launches Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies thanks to transformative gift from alumnus

The Carena Institute will be the first of its kind in the UK, setting a global standard for community-centred and environmentally responsible archaeological practice.

The personal gift from Marc, who graduated with an MA in Classical Archaeology from Birkbeck this year, will seed fund the Carena Institute’s first three years and support major research initiatives, teaching innovation and public engagement.

The donation will also fund three annual scholarships for Birkbeck’s MA in Archaeology and Heritage, opening doors to important work in this emerging field for students showing outstanding promise.

“I’m still struggling to believe it’s real,” said Dr Jen Baird, Director of Birkbeck’s MA Archaeology and Heritage programme and the new Director of the Carena Institute. “I’m incredibly touched that having completed his MA at Birkbeck, Marc had such faith in us. The gift will be transformative for our research and our teaching.”

Marc Carena, who works for Mars Incorporated and is the regional president for the Snacking division’s Europe & Central Eurasia business, said: “The Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies is the first of its kind in the world, and is pioneering a new area of research how to engage with the past, applying ethical, sustainable practices, respecting communities, to uncover legacies from ancient history to modern conflicts. I feel truly honoured to have contributed to the creation of this institute, and deeply humbled that the University chose to name it after me.”

The Carena Institute will focus on addressing harmful legacies of extractive archaeological practices by fostering more ethical and sustainable approaches. This involves collaborating with communities in the understanding and management of heritage sites and objects, as well as offering training, improving labour conditions in the field and making archaeological knowledge more accessible.

Dr Baird said: “Archaeology is an incredible way of understanding the past. Because we look at objects, buildings, and landscapes, it’s an opportunity to learn about people and the societies from the ground up. But, historically, this information has come at a cost. I work in the Middle East and there’s unfortunately a long tradition of extractive practices: of taking objects, and knowledge, from the ground, but giving little back to local communities. We are interested in working towards forms of archaeology that are conscious of these destructive pasts and look towards more sustainable practices in the future that are attentive to local needs and have social values at their core.”

With a core team of field-defining Birkbeck archaeologists - Dr Baird, Dr Esther Breithoff and Dr Lesley McFadyen - the Carena Institute will enable the advancement of research projects in Syria, Scotland and Paraguay, including in post-conflict zones and endangered landscapes. It will also provide a platform for community partnerships, influence policy and practice and help define the emerging field of sustainable archaeologies.

“We have big plans,” said Dr Baird. “The research projects across three continents all focus on what we consider a duty of care towards archaeology and the people it matters to. We’re also looking forward to bringing our community-centred archaeological research agenda into our teaching, to create a pipeline of archaeologists and heritage professionals with a critically informed concern for sustainability.”

Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, said: “The establishment of the Carena Institute is momentous for Birkbeck. Through Marc’s investment in this pioneering initiative, we are able to advance in this important and emerging field and position ourselves as a global leader for teaching and research in Sustainable Archaeologies. We are incredibly grateful for Marc’s support and confidence in Birkbeck.”

The Carena Institute will launch in the 2025–26 academic year with a programme of research, events and teaching to define the field and raise awareness. In its first year, it will establish an online presence, host a landmark public lecture and develop a new sustainable pathway within the MA Archaeology and Heritage programme. Plans are also underway to launch a dedicated MA in Sustainable Archaeologies, while expanding partnerships with organisations like Museum of London Archaeology and developing long-term funding and growth strategies.