III Latin American Workshop on Micropalaeoethnobotany: Strengthening an Interdisciplinary Research Network on Phytolith and Starch Studies

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April 7, 2025
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From March 17 to 20, 2025, the third edition of the Latin American Workshop on Micropalaeoethnobotany brought together researchers, professionals, and students to explore the use of phytoliths and starch in paleoenvironmental and archaeological studies. Organized by Multiuser Laboratory for Environmental Dynamics Studies (LEDA) /State University of Western Paraná (UNIOESTE) under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Marcia Calegari, the event fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthened academic networks across Latin America.

With over 50 registered participants and 28 attending in person, the workshop provided a dynamic space for scientific exchange, featuring 22 poster presentations, hands-on training sessions, two keynote lectures, and three roundtable discussions. The event focused on technical, methodological, and theoretical challenges frequently encountered in studies that use phytoliths and starch as environmental and activity indicators, fostering in-depth discussions on best practices, analytical approaches, and interpretations of these microfossils in diverse contexts.

A key aspect of this edition was its strong international presence, with participants from Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, the United States, and Brazil (spanning the Southeast, South, and Northeast regions). Among the highlights was the in-person participation of Dr. Rand Evett, President of the International Phytolith Society, alongside the virtual presence of Dr. Mikhail Blinnikov, who took part in the opening ceremony. Additionally, Dr. Carla Lancelotti (Spain) delivered an insightful lecture (online) on the importance of open-access research, reinforcing the need for accessible scientific knowledge and global collaboration.

The workshop provided a rich environment for dialogue, capacity-building, and interdisciplinary connections, encouraging new research partnerships and advancing the technical training of participants. With the support of national and international institutions, this event contributed to the consolidation of paleoenvironmental research in Latin America.

By fostering academic exchange and strengthening collaborative networks, the III Latin American Workshop on Micropalaeoethnobotany reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding past landscapes, climate history, and cultural transformations, shaping the future of paleoenvironmental studies in Latin America and beyond.

The organizing committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to the International Phytolith Society and other sponsors and collaborators for its valuable support, and especially to all participants who contributed to the success of this event. For LEDA, it was a great pleasure to welcome everyone to our university, and we look forward to future collaborations and exchanges.

Opening ceremony (March 17, 2025)