UNESCO CHAIR IN MARITIME AND COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY

Established in 2017 by Aix-Marseille University and DRASSM, French Ministry of Culture

Who We Are

The UNESCO Chair in Maritime and Coastal Archaeology was created in 2017 by the University of Aix-Marseille (Marseille, France) and the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM, French Ministry of Culture). The aim of the Chair is to promote cooperation between 14 international partners including Universities, Research Institutes, Museums, NGOs and Private Companies in the fields of archaeology and underwater cultural heritage. The Chair promotes the ratification and implementation of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Chair Holder

Prof. J.-C. SOURISSEAU, Director of the ARKAIA Institute of Archaeology (AMU, CCJ, ARKAIA)

Arnaud SCHAUMASSE, Director of Drassm, French Ministry of Culture

Scientific  team

Kalliopi BAIKA, archaeologist-diver, Associate Professor in Mediterranean Maritime Archaeology  (AMU, CCJ)

Franca CIBECCHINI, archaeologist-diver, DRASSM, French Ministry of Culture

Our Objectives

The Chair aims to evolve as a bridge-builder between the world of Academics, Universities, Museums, the public and private sectors. The major objective is to promote advanced educational training, high-quality research and public awareness in fast-developing societies for the protection and sustainable management of their maritime cultural heritage.

Education

The Master of Maritime and Coastal Archaeology (MoMArch) is in the core of the AMU Chair’s mission and implementation. The MoMArch Master’s degree provides multidisciplinary training through the synergy of the scientific skills, human resources and infrastructure of Aix-Marseille University, Centre Camille Jullian, and the Department of Underwater Archaeological Research (Drassm, Ministry of Culture).

Research

The Chair applies advanced interdisciplinary research that bridges cutting‐edge technology with traditional archaeological methods, ensuring the study and protection of Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Public Outreach

Dissemination activities with schools and Open days with the wider public aim to raise awareness for the protection and sustainable management of their maritime cultural heritage

Unesco UNITWIN Network
for Underwater Archaeology

Launched in 1992, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Program promotes international inter-university cooperation and networking to enhance institutional capacities through knowledge sharing and collaborative work. Today, the Program involves over 700 institutions in 115 countries. The UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology was established in 2012.

Aix-Marseille University is ensuring the coordination of the network from June 2023 to June 2026. Kalliopi Baika, together with team of young researcher, is the Unesco Unitwin Chair holder for this period.

University twining & networking

The UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology aims to increase capacity in the participating countries through international cooperation

About the network

Master of Maritime and Coastal Archaeology

Since 2013, the MoMArch Master’s degree program has been training international specialists in underwater archaeology and coastal archaeology. MoMArch is approved as Academy of Excellence by the Academic Foundation A*Midex

MoMArch Master of Maritime and Coastal Archaeology

2013-2025

Research Projects and training schools

Scientific research and innovative education in maritime and coastal archaeology in the framework of the appropriate implementation of the 2001 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Fossae Marianae Project

2014-2019

The Paragan shipwreck

2015-2019

Laurons XI shipwreck

2021-2025

Aménagements littoraux antiques sur l’île Sainte-Marguerite

2024-2028

Aigina Harbour City
Project

2018-2028

La colonie grecque de Mégara Hyblaea

2017-2026

EU Funded Projects supporting Blue Economy

These initiatives strengthen sustainability in the protection and management of underwater nature and cultural heritage, youth opportunities, and regional cooperation, advancing Europe’s transition toward a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible blue future

uBlueTec project

2023-2026

ecoRoute project

2023-2026

Toural project

2024-2026

International Conferences and Scientific Events

New challenges for UW nature and cultural heritage tourism during the Ocean Decade
International conference

2026

2nd International Conference of Mediterranean Harbour and Coastal Archaeology

2026

1st International Conference of Mediterranean Harbour and Coastal Archaeology

2022

UNESCO Chair Partners

  • University of Cadiz, Spain
  • Institute of Geology, University of Mainz, Germany
  • Department of History and Archaeology, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
  • Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Haifa, Israel
  • Center for Maritime Studies, University of Haifa, Israel
  • Museum Department of Ancient Arles, France
  • University of Zadar, Croatia
  • University of the Peloponnese (Department of History, Archaeology and Cultural Resources), Greece
  • University of Athens (Departments of Geography and Climatology), Greece
  • Center for Alexandrian Studies, Egypt
  • Ipso Facto (Private Enterprise of Archaeology and Oceanography), France
  • National Centre of Underwater Cultural Heritage of China, China
  • National Council for Cultural Affairs of Taiwan, Taiwan