For decades, this laboratory functioned productively as part of the Georgian National Museum, under the leadership of Professor Givi Gaprindashvili. This scientific unit organized numerous archaeological and cultural expeditions throughout Georgia and neighboring regions, investigated well-known cave complexes, and identified previously unknown monuments. The results of these endeavors include dozens of published monographs and the organization of many academic conferences devoted to this subject.We should note that our present research group, working within the Georgian National Museum and Ilia State University, is in fact the direct successor and lawful heir of that pioneering laboratory.

It is true that over the last three decades, in the wake of Georgia’s struggle to declare and preserve its independence, the well-known political and economic crises somewhat slowed the pace of such research. Nevertheless, during the past decade a new generation of young scholars - enthusiastic and academically well-prepared - has emerged. They are poised to continue this work successfully, and the hosting of the congress in Tbilisi would serve as a powerful stimulus for them, a factor that should not be underestimated.
Now, with regard to the preparatory work already undertaken by our team for the successful organization of HYPOGEA 2026.
The event will be organized by the National Museum of Georgia, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Presevation of Georgia, the Georgian National Academy of Sciences and the Ilia State University of Tbilisi. The Municipality of Tbilisi will be a prestigious partner of the congress.
It will be provided with the fundamental support of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia and the following foundations: “International Cultural Space” and “Tsinapari”.