It is with enormous sadness that we share the news that one of our alumni has recently died in exceptionally unexpected and tragic circumstances.

In Archaeology we recognise that the stresses and strains of daily life can sometimes bring mental pressures. In 2020-21 Coronavirus has brought additional anxieties – worry about family and friends, bereavement, illness and lockdown, loneliness, home-caring and many other new challenges. Not being able to welcome Students and Staff into the Department in person has meant that creating a sense of community and connection has been so much harder.

Dr Rui Gomes Coelho (Durham University Department of Archaeology) and Sanja Horvatinčić (Institute of Art History, Zagreb) reflect on Archaeology, modern conflict, and mass violence in a special essay for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021.