Research into the ancient Near East (we include Egypt within our conference remit) has a rich history. However, the term ‘ancient Near East’, and the research therein, appear often to lack coherence. Boundaries between periods, areas, and sub-disciplines retain a disproportionate focus in scholarly research, thus inhibiting a comprehensive understanding of ancient Near Eastern societies. Some periods remain poorly studied, with the transitional periods between them lacking adequate research. Similarly, a clear understanding of the area known as the Near East is complicated by questions surrounding its geographic boundaries. Whilst the region has existed throughout time within a wider network of connectivity, it is often discussed as if isolated from its neighbouring regions. In addition, 20th-century borders are frequently projected onto the past, effectively segregating regions which were deeply connected. Partitioning is also observed between the various sub-disciplines of Near Eastern studies, which include textual, biological, material, and digital studies. Integrating older data sets with newer evidence and new methodologies also remains a challenge.