Mission

The EMUNI Center of Excellence for Mediterranean Cultural Heritage (ECMCH) aims to strengthen the protection, sustainable management, and public value of cultural heritage through interdisciplinary research, professional training, and knowledge exchange across the Mediterranean region.

ECMCH serves as a genuinely regional and interdisciplinary platform addressing the full spectrum of Mediterranean cultural heritage, including:

• Tangible cultural heritage
• Intangible cultural heritage
• Maritime cultural heritage
• Underwater cultural heritage
• Digital technologies and innovation in heritage research and preservation

Flagship Initiatives

Mediterranean Heritage Summer School

An annual field-based programme bringing together:

• Students
• Researchers
• Heritage professionals

The Summer School provides practical training, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and international networking in Mediterranean cultural heritage.

Applied Collaborative Research Projects

Development and implementation of externally funded collaborative research projects focusing on:

• Climate change and heritage resilience
• Digital documentation and preservation
• Sustainable cultural tourism
• Heritage management and innovation

Joint Academic Programmes in Mediterranean Cultural Heritage

Promotion of academic cooperation through:

• Shared courses
• Co-taught modules
• Academic mobility opportunities
• Pathways toward joint and dual-degree programmes

Priority Thematic Areas

Digital Heritage Innovation

Advancing the use of digital technologies for heritage documentation, preservation, interpretation, and public engagement.

Climate Adaptation and Sustainable Management

Supporting strategies that enhance heritage resilience while promoting sustainable management practices.

Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Fostering research, conservation, and capacity building related to maritime and underwater cultural resources across the Mediterranean.

Community-Based Heritage Engagement

Promoting inclusive approaches that empower local communities as active participants in heritage protection and interpretation.

Operational Model

The ECMCH will operate through a lean, flexible, and financially sustainable structure designed to maximize impact while minimizing administrative costs.

Lean and Low-Cost Operational Model

The Center will be established with minimal upfront investment by relying on:

• EMUNI University’s existing administrative structures
• Institutional hosting by EMUNI
• A part-time Director
• Strategic partnerships and collaborative networks

This approach avoids the need for a large permanent administrative team during the initial phase.

Progressive Growth Linked to External Funding

Additional staff and operational capacities will be developed gradually as external funding is secured.

This model ensures that growth remains aligned with:

• Available financial resources
• Project opportunities
• Demonstrated demand
• Strategic priorities

Diversified and Self-Sustaining Funding Strategy

Long-term sustainability will be supported through a diversified funding portfolio, including:

• Horizon Europe projects
• Erasmus+ programmes
• Creative Europe initiatives
• International and regional research grants
• Project-based partnerships
• Consultancy and advisory services
• Professional training programmes
• Executive education and short courses

This diversified approach reduces dependence on institutional funding and supports long-term resilience.

Proposed Governance Structure

Steering Committee

The ECMCH Steering Committee will provide strategic guidance, oversee the Center’s development, and support international partnerships and fundraising activities.

Proposed Members of the Steering Committee

(To be confirmed and updated upon establishment of the Center.)

Inaugural Strategic Meeting of the ECMCH Steering Committee

The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee will focus on:

• Defining strategic priorities for the Center
• Confirming governance arrangements
• Identifying collaborative research opportunities
• Developing funding and partnership strategies
• Establishing the roadmap for flagship initiatives
• Planning future academic and training activities

The meeting will mark the official launch of the ECMCH and the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to advance Mediterranean cultural heritage research, education, and innovation.