RP1 covered the formal setting up of structures and activities, preparing the ground for the main activity phase in RP2.WP1 included the financial and administrative coordination, within the structures CyI,familiarisation with the Lump Sum funding model.We recruited a Senior Research Coordination Officer [SRCO](Research and Innovation Coordinator),and conducted the onboarding of the inaugural ERA Chair, Prof Degryse from KU Leuven. We completed the cooperation agreements and contracts with all parties concerned, and established a rhythm of regular visits ensuring the agreed physical presence of Prof Degryse in Cyprus as well as the delivery of his work for the project in Leuven.Weekly meetings with the SRCO have also been held regularly.The recruitment of the international Advisory Board of 'critical friends' was delayed due to a number of external and internal factors but has been successfully completed with the first meeting convened and minuted. The inclusion 'ex officio' of the Chair of the STARC Scientific Expert Panel in the Advisory Board ensures a formal link into the academic supervisory structures of CyI, while the election of Prof Heron of the British Museum as the Chair of the AB affirmed its academic independence and autonomy.Work on the internal Funding Database has made good progress; at present we have around 50 entries of selected and vetted funding opportunities relevant for the project, and update and expand it regularly.The Data Management Plan has been completed and will be updated as project activities expand during the second reporting period. WP4:The inaugural ERA Chair produced a SWOT analysis of the OAS group in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.This informed the job description for a new Team Lead (Associate Professor) to be appointed in the second year of the project.The vacancy was widely advertised via European academic platforms and professional networks.The recruitment process is ongoing, with more than ten applications received and shortlisting underway.The selection panel is chaired by the ERA Chair and includes three external full professors from the UK, Greece, and Germany. Interviews are scheduled for April 2026. WP5:An application to establish an Archaeological Science Facility was completed and submitted for further internal discussion and institutional support.WP6:Seven training workshops were delivered focusing on stable and radiogenic isotope analysis, data management, and analytical interpretation. Topics included isotopes in archaeometry, GIS methods for mapping geochemical data, isotopic analysis of dental growth patterns, statistical approaches to isotope data, and Islamic plant-ash glass along the Eastern Silk Roads.These engaged researchers, PhD students, and affiliated scholars from CyI, as well as external academic and key stakeholders, and was delivered by internationally recognised experts.PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, affiliates, and faculty (n=10) also participated in training visits at KU Leuven,combining theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory experience in isotope analysis, analytical workflows, laboratory protocols, and data quality assurance.The project also organised five educational workshops for primary and secondary school communities. Team members further disseminated the project’s aims through international conferences, scientific workshops, and public engagement events, including European Researchers’ Night 2025.WP14:The Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan has been finalised and will be regularly updated in line with the Grant Agreement. A website has been established, and the social media channels of CyI are used to communicate project progress and activities. Two newsletters have been published on the project website and distributed to key stakeholders.
