On August 26, 2020 SPLASHCOS received an honorary mention in the Institutional category of the European Archaeological Heritage Prize in Budapest, Hungary.
The European Association of Archaeologist has over 15.000 members from 60 countries working in prehistory, classical, mediaeval, and later archaeology. Every year, the EAA awards these prizes in both individual and institutional categories ‘for an outstanding contribution to the protection and presentation of the European archaeological heritage’. The EAA promotes the development of archaeological research and the exchange of archaeological information of the European archaeological heritage. The institution also sets professional ethical and scientific standards for archaeological work.
Submerged Prehistoric Archaeology and Landscapes of the Continental Shelf, SPLASHCOS, which ran from 2009 to 2013 has brought together over 200 people, from 25 countries in numerous disciplines such as archaeologists, marine geoscientists, climate experts, heritage agencies and industrial organisations. The Action promotes research on the investigation, interpretation and management of the drowned landscapes and prehistoric archaeology of the European continental shelf.
Prof. Geoff Bailey, Chair of the COST Action SPLASHCOS, who received the award on behalf of the SPLASHCOS community, praised the opportunities made possible over an intensive four-year period.
“This award is a tribute to the collective efforts of many individuals and institutions working across multiple national and disciplinary boundaries over an extended period and reflects the added momentum made possible by a COST Action in developing a new and pioneer field of research in marine science, archaeology and cultural heritage.
Colleagues in other parts of the world have drawn inspiration from SPLASHCOS achievements to develop similar research networks, notably in Australia and the USA.”
Above: SPLASHCOS group photo during a training STSM in Estonia in 2012
The SPLASHCOS Action
This Action has improved knowledge on the location, preservation conditions and the management of drowned landscape and submerged archaeological evidence of prehistoric human activity.
The SPLASHCOS Action has achieved a real breakthrough in establishing a new interdisciplinary research field, developing major concepts and methodologies.
This COST Action has shifted attitudes to submerged heritage in the EU and has had a positive global impact. It has been instrumental in fostering relevant cultural heritage policies providing guidance for archaeologists, heritage professionals, government agencies, commercial organisations, policy makers and a wider public.
SPLASHCOS has recently published an open access volume and publicly available online database to provide a comprehensive description and evaluation of underwater archaeological finds. The Archaeology of Europe’s Drowned Landscapes
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