Post-mortem DNA damage, Balliol College, Oxford University, Novembeer 16/17, 2002 As a consequence of both post-mortem damage, and contamination with modern DNA, the field of Bioarchaeology has been restricted in application both temporally, and in terms of subject material. Many studies are performed without adequate investigation of damage, or contamination, and result in a growing grey literature - much of it associated with ancient pathogen research. In order to fully assess the nature of post-mortem DNA damage, and to evaluate and develop methods to rectify the associated difficulties, it is important for aDNA researchers to draw on the knowledge of scientists from other fields, such as cancer research, chemistry and biochemistry. We, therefore, propose to bring together those researchers in the UK who have been studying post-mortem damage with experts from the fields of biopreservation (Prof Briggs, Dr Collins, Dr Bailey, Dr Eglington), cancer genetics (Prof Lindahl, Dr Mitchell) and in vivo bacterial DNA repair systems (Prof Radman). To encourage cutting edge ideas, and open discussion on new research directions, we propose to hold a small and informal two-day symposia. Day 1 will include formal talks, followed by a second day of round-table discussions in the following areas: The tempo and mode of post mortem damage; The biochemical basis of post mortem damage; The discrimination of post mortem modifications from phylogenetic signal; The authenticating of ancient DNA sequences; and Long term DNA survival. A previous meeting was held in Leipzig, Germany in 2001 and proved to be very successful.