The first NERITES Workshop, titled “Underwater Cultural Heritage: Integrating Archaeology, Science, and Conservation Practice,” was successfully held in person at Roma Tre University in Rome on 10 December 2025.
The workshop addressed key challenges related to the protection, monitoring, and long-term conservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), in line with the principles of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. It highlighted how archaeology, material science, and conservation practice can be effectively integrated to support responsible research and sustainable preservation strategies, with in situ preservation as a guiding priority.
The event brought together 24 participants, including international experts, professionals from cultural heritage authorities, researchers, and master’s and PhD students, fostering a multidisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience. Participants represented diverse backgrounds in underwater archaeology, conservation science, marine environments, and heritage management.
The programme featured expert presentations by partners from the National Superintendency for Underwater Archaeological Heritage – Ministry of Culture (Italy).
Prof. Barbara Davidde presented methodologies for in situ conservation of underwater sites, drawing on experiences from the Restoring Underwater project and emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive conservation approaches.
Dr. Carlotta Sacco Perasso focused on scientific investigation and material degradation, addressing the complex interactions between submerged artifacts, biological growth, and marine conditions, and outlining the expected contributions of NERITES to advancing diagnostic and conservation methodologies.
The sessions stimulated constructive discussion on interdisciplinary approaches to underwater heritage protection, bridging research, innovation, and applied conservation practice. Informal exchanges during breaks further encouraged networking and collaboration among participants.
The workshop marked an important first step in NERITES’ capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities, laying the foundation for future dialogue and collaboration on the sustainable protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
We look forward to welcoming participants to the next NERITES workshop in 2026!
