Sara Prata (Lisbon, 1987) is a contract researcher in the Institute of Medieval Studies (IEM - NOVA FCSH) and a PhD by the University of Salamanca (2018). She was funded in FCT CEEC - Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus (3rd Edition) with her project "Reshaping the countryside in the Early Middle Ages. Production systems, consumption patterns and peasant agency in western Iberia" (2020.01697.CEECIND). Her research analysis early medieval countryside evolution through the material record. Previously, she has managed commercial archaeology projects in both urban and rural areas and has had the opportunity to collaborate in several research projects, organize scientific meetings and publish her findings. Her combined experiences as a professional archaeologist and a researcher working inland territories have given her insight into the everyday reality of this profession and the local impact of archaeological research. She is currently looking for ways to help reframe archaeological research in order to consider the specific needs of inland territories and help change public perceptions towards archaeological practices. She believes archaeology can play an important role in the creation of lasting bonds between local communities and cultural heritage.