Venceslas Kruta, renowned specialist in the protohistory of Europe and the ancient Celts and long‑standing member of the UISPP Honorary Committee, died on 19 July 2026 at the age of 86. Born in Saumur in 1939, he taught European protohistory at the École Pratique des Hautes Études and directed the Centre d’études celtiques in Paris. His major works and the landmark 1991 exhibition I Celti: la prima Europa profoundly shaped the study of Celtic Europe.

The Musée d'Anthropologie préhistorique de Monaco invites applications for a fully funded three-year doctoral studentship starting in January 2027. Candidates should propose an original research project in palaeoanthropology, Palaeolithic archaeology, human evolution, zooarchaeology, palaeoenvironmental studies, or related fields, making use of the Museum’s internationally significant collections. Founded in 1902, the Museum offers an exceptional research environment for innovative studies of human prehistory and archaeological collections. 

Rudolph Kuper passed away on 14 April 2026. A leading figure in Saharan archaeology, he dedicated over five decades to interdisciplinary research in northeastern Africa, initiating and developing major research programmes, advancing the study of Holocene environments, and playing a key role in international scholarly collaboration. A committed mentor, he trained generations of researchers and supported academic development, particularly in Egypt. His work leaves a lasting impact on African prehistoric studies.