(3rd from left) Foni Le Brun-Ricalens at Shieren Gallo-Roman Villa in February 2020;
Credit: MCULT
Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture has announced the appointment of Foni Le Brun-Ricalens as Director of the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA) (previously known as the National Centre for Archaeological Research).
By Grand-Ducal decree of 3 March 2022, taken on the proposal of the Government Council, Foni Le Brun-Ricalens has been appointed Director of the INRA.
Foni Le Brun-Ricalens holds a Master of Advanced Study (diplôme d'études approfondies - DEA) in History and Civilisations obtained in 1988 from the University of Toulouse. Specialised in prehistory, this Luxembourgish archaeologist served as curator of the “Prehistory” section of the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA) from 1994 to 2011. Then, in 2011, he was appointed Director of the National Centre for Archaeological Research (CNRA), newly created (at that time) by the MNHA.
He has directed numerous excavations and organised several international archaeological conferences in Luxembourg and abroad.
The editor of several collections of archaeological works, Foni Le Brun-Ricalens has published more than 100 scientific and general public articles devoted to Luxembourgish and Eurasian prehistory.
With the law of 25 February 2022, the former National Centre for Archaeological Research became the National Institute for Archaeological Research. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA) has the task of ensuring the administrative and scientific management of Luxembourg's archaeological heritage, in particular by developing preventive archaeology investigations linked to the growing work of territory development. Comprising 35 agents, the INRA is in charge of the Grand Duchy's inventory, scientific study, protection and enhancement of this oldest historical and cultural heritage. This new institute organises, among other things, all forms of scientific research in archaeology ranging from prospecting, diagnostic surveys, preventive and planned excavations, to laboratory research, while ensuring the promotion, publication and dissemination of archaeological discoveries.
