Getting a foot in the door: biomolecular archaeology in the Baltics

This article gives an overview of the development and the current state of the art of biomolecular archaeology in the three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. First, a general background and the emergence of biomolecular archaeology on a global scale are outlined. Thereafter, the key trends in incorporating biomolecular analyses into Baltic archaeological research are provided. Finally, the paper discusses the main opportunities and challenges of conducting biomolecular archaeological research in smaller research institutions and countries, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of such dedicated research infrastructures. These dynamics are widely applicable to any smaller interdisciplinary research enterprises located away from world-leading research centres. This somewhat personal reflection also aims to contribute to the further development of good scientific practices within and beyond contemporary geopolitical borders and to the conceptualisation of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) science in archaeology and beyond.