STACHEM (Science and Technology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Eastern Mediterranean) is a project funded by the European Commission as part of the Seventh Framework Programme, Research Infrastructure-Capacity specific programme.

 

The eastern Mediterranean is undoubtedly one of the richest and best-studied areas in the world in terms of archaeological heritage, and involves  several top-notch research centres. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of coordination and of integrated regional strategy as regards scientific research, as well as of the analysis of archaeological finds, documentation, long-term preservation and communication services. This leads to a duplication of efforts, wasted resources, wasted opportunities for collaboration and synergy between projects and institutions, lack of digital libraries and multimedia communication centres, and a lack of specific technical and scientific resources. Scientific analyses and data processing must therefore often take place outside the Mediterranean region.

 

STACHEM launches the development of a strategic plan in the eastern Mediterranean area related to  research infrastructures devoted  to archaeology and digital cultural heritage. The project focuses on the following areas:

The project consortium comprises the leading technological and scientific institutions working in this field. ICCU coordinates the third line of activity, relating to ICT applications relevant to cultural heritage.

 

STACHEM is coordinated by STARC (Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Centre), recently established by the Cyprus Institute to act as a reference point for archaeology and cultural heritage in the eastern Mediterranean area. The STACHEM project will support STARC in planning activities to address the needs of its reference community, ensuring that such activities fit with the regional strategies and are rooted in the context of Euro-Mediterranean archaeology and digital cultural heritage.

 

The project results include proposals for joint trans-national activities, based on a search for synergy and coordination opportunities, the definition of guidelines for best practices and directives for future infrastructure developments, making sure all the while that these activities address the actual needs of the user community.
The project will also impacts at national level, through  the definition of a mid- and long-term action plan among the institutions involved in the project.

For more information: ic-cu@beniculturali.it