UNESCO CHAIR IN MARITIME AND COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY

Since 2017, held by the University of Aix-Marseille, 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.

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

Arnaud SCHAUMASSE, Director of Drassm, French Ministry of Culture

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

Dr. Franca CIBECCHINI, archaeologist-diver, Drassm, French Ministry of Culture

Our Objectives

Education

The Master of Maritime and Coastal Archaeology (MoMArch) is in the core of the Chair’s mission and implementation. The MoMArch Master’s degree provides multidisciplinary training through the synergy of the scientific skills, methods and means 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 in fast-developing societies 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. It also features a UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology.

University twining & networking

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

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

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.

Aigina Harbour City Project

2018-2029

International Conferences and Scientific Events

2nd International Conference of Mediterranean Harbour and Coastal Archaeology

2026

1st International Conference of Mediterranean Harbour and Coastal Archaeology

2022

UNESCO Chair Partners