The Institute of Baltic Sea Region History and Archaeology (Lithuanian: Baltijos regiono istorijos ir archeologijos institutas, (BRIAI)) is a scientific subdivision of Klaipėda University. The institute was established in 2003 on the basis of former Centre of History of Western Lithuania and Prussia (functioned in 1992-2003).
The scholars of the institute investigate the past of East Prussia and Samogitia regions from the perspectives of history, archaeology and cultural anthropology in the context of Baltic Sea region. Specific research issues of the institute are settled by international scientific board, composed of scholars from Lithuania, Germany, Sweden and Poland.
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The scientific research issues studied by the institute are:
The results of researches are presented in the monographies of the institute's staff, collections of material of the conferences, organized by institute, as well as in the scientific series of the institute: Acta Historica Universitatis Klaipedensis (established in 1993) and Archaeologia Baltica (since 2006 this scientific publication is published together with Institute of Lithianian History).
The institute collaborate with scientific institutions, scholars and museums in Lithuania, Germany, Poland, Russia, Latvia, Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark. The library (26 thousand volumes), specialised in historical and archaeological literature, is collected at the institute. The staff of institute participates in the process of studies in the Department of History of Klaipėda University, reads lectures for bachelor, master's, doctoral students (history and archaeology specialisations), leads their scientific papers.
Directors of the institute: Assoc. Professor, Dr Alvydas Nikžentaitis in 1992–1993, Assoc. Professor, Dr Vladas Žulkus in 1993–1998, Professor Stephen Christopher Rowell, PhD (Cantab.) in 1998–1999, Dr Vacys Vaivada in 1999–2001, Professor, Dr Habil. Vladas Žulkus in 2001–2002, Dr Silva Pocytė since 2002.