World’s biggest Maya conference

Maya specialists from all over the world are meeting this week at the University of Copenhagen. Interested students, and the public can come and learn to speak Maya

by Polina Chebotareva

Spreading knowledge of the Maya language and strengthening research dialogue. The two main goals of a conference on ancient Maya culture at the University of Copenhagen.

This is according to Ingolf Thuesen, head of the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, and one of the organisers of the conference, in which more than 250 scientists will participate. The yearly European Maya conference is the biggest of its kind in the world, and the theme this year is ‘The Maya in a Mesoamerican Context: Comparative Approaches to Maya Studies’. It stretches over six days and includes lectures, seminars and workshops, where those who are interested can learn about the Maya language.

Ingolf Thuesen tells the University Post that there is not a specific scientist he is most excited about, despite key Maya experts participating in the conference. »I am especially pleased to see so many international researchers meet under our good conditions, and of course the possibility for our own students to experience research in action at the highest level,« he says.

Helps uni ranking

The conference is not only good for specialists and researchers. It helps the international reputation of both University of Copenhagen and its students.

»University of Copenhagen gets internationally exposed and it rises in the rankings« Ingolf Thuesen explains, adding that »researchers' strengthen their international position and create new and better international networks«.

Students also have the opportunity to meet the international scientific community, Thuesen says. In some cases this can lead to study abroad opportunities and participation in field work.

polina.chebotareva@adm.ku.dk

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