Maritime and Marine Historic Environment Research Framework

Developing a 'Maritime and Marine Historic Environment Research Framework' for England

The Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton have been commissioned by English Heritage to co-ordinate the development of a research framework for the maritime, marine and coastal archaeology of England.

The research framework will provide a coherent overview of previous research into the maritime and marine historic environment of England, which will enable long-term strategic planning,  inform policy and provide a statement of agreed research priorities within which researchers can shape and seek funding for projects. 

In order for this to be both a successful reflection of the current state of knowledge and a vehicle by which the key research questions for this diverse community can be identified, it is essential that all those involved in the maritime, marine or coastal archaeology of England, from the academic, commercial and voluntary sectors, are involved in its creation. To this end, we are inviting as many stakeholders as possible to be involved in the process. In addition, there will be public consultation on each element of the framework.

Developing a Resource Assessment and Research Agenda:

The project involves an assessment of our current state of knowledge on a period-by-period (the resource assessment) and production of a research agenda outlining the gaps in our knowledge, strengths to build upon and identifying future avenues of research. 

The resource assessment process and the subsequent development of a research agenda will be driven by working groups.  Each working group, comprised of 5-6 members and two chairs.  The resource assessment and research agenda documents produced by the working groups will be open to public consultation through these webpages, and in addition a targeted consultation group of 'critical friends' (experts and practitioners in the field) will be recruited to comment in detail on them.  After consultation these will be drawn together into one Maritime and Marine Historic Environment Resource Assessment and Research Agenda for England, ready for publication in July 2010.