Programme

Content Outline

The research-oriented summer school EMMEH 2025 is a strong 60-hour training programme focusing on the fundamental aspects of the conservation, restoration and valorisation of cultural heritage in North Africa’s Mediterranean regions, the Middle East, and Europe.

Particular emphasis will be placed on preventive conservation, archaeology and excavation sites, the impacts of climate change on heritage, and new approaches to museological mediation – with a strong focus on sustainable development goals.

Final research projects will be guided by an exploration of fresh perspectives on the climatic, technological, and societal challenges faced by cultural heritage.

Cultural visits and social events will enrich this international programme, promoting friendliness and personal development. These activities will enable participants to build connections, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in a stimulating and rewarding intercultural experience.

34 h — Scientific Lectures, Workshops & Visits
6 h — Scientific Research Project
1 h — Lille & Hauts-de-France: A Dynamic Environment for Researchers
13 h — Cultural Visits & Social Events
3 h — Introduction to the French-Speaking World
3 h — Welcome & Closing Events

Keywords

#heritage, museums, archaeology, excavation sites, conservation, restoration, mediation, exhibitions, climate changes, sustainability, risks, innovation, digital solutions.

Programme At A Glance

Scientific Lectures, Workshops & Visits

Minor modifications to the programme may occur.

The scientific curriculum will include the following topics:

Visits and partnerships may include:

Scientific Research Project

Designed to facilitate your admission to doctoral or postdoctoral programmes in France, the Scientific Research Project will require both personal and teamwork. It will include sessions of tutorials or free discussion with researchers from the IRHiS and HALMA laboratories.

The project will involve the analysis of articles, bibliographical summaries, a presentation of state-of-the-art trends in the chosen research topic and a final project defence in front of the scientific board.

You will have every opportunity to contact teachers/researchers with a view to identify a research project; assistance will be provided in maintaining contact in order to finalise the project up to potential enrolment in a (post-)doctoral programme.

Literature / Museum Studies

1. Desvallée, A., Mairesse, F. (eds.), Key concepts of Museology, ICOM/ICOFROM, 2010 – available in 15 languages.

2. Euromed Heritage. Mediterranean Cultural Heritage, A Manual for Good Practice – A Euromed Heritage Experience, Libri Publishing Ltd, 2013.

3. Graham, B., Ashworth, G. J., & Tunbridge, J. E., A Geography of Heritage: Power, Culture, and Economy, Routledge, 2000.

4. Hall, C.M., & Seyfi, S. (eds.), Cultural and Heritage Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa. Complexities, Management and Practices, Routledge, 2021.

5. ICCROM-ATHAR, Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Arab Region. Issues in the Conservation and Management of Heritage Sites, 2016 – available online.

6. Neff, K. L., & Cameron, E., “Challenges in Preserving the Heritage of the Mediterranean World: Collaborative Approaches to Cultural Heritage Management,” Journal of Mediterranean Studies, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2009, pp. 57-72.

7. Robbins, N., Thomas, S., Tuominen, M. & Wessman, A. (eds.), Museum Studies – Bridging Theory and Practice, ICOFROM, University of Jyväskylä, 2021 – available online.

Literature / Online Resources on Museum Studies and Cultural Heritage

1. ALIPH (International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas): list of e-learning resources from the web.

2. ICOM’s online library.

3. International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Conservation Resources, ICCROM, n.d. Available with other short articles and resources at ICCROM website.

4. MedCulture Programme (EU), Supporting Cultural Heritage Projects in the Mediterranean Region, EU, n.d. Available with other short articles and resources at MedCulture website.

Literature / Climate Crisis and Sustainable Development Goals for Cultural Heritage

1. ICOM, Resolution No.1 ‘On sustainability and the adoption of Agenda 2030, Transforming our World’, 2019, Paris: ICOM – available online.

2. Kapsomenakis, J., Douvis, C., Poupkou, A. et al. “Climate change threats to cultural and natural heritage UNESCO sites in the Mediterranean”, Environ Dev Sustain 25, 14519–14544 (2023) – available online.

3. McGhie, H., Museums and the Sustainable Development Goals: A how-to guide for museums, galleries, the cultural sector and their partners, published online in 2019.

4. Merriman, N. (ed.), Museums and the Climate Crisis, Routledge, 2023.

5. UNESCO, Culture for the 2030 Agenda, Paris: UNESCO, 2018 – available online.

6. United Nations. 2015. Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York: United Nations – available online.

Cultural Programme

EXCITING VISITS & EVENTS

Gain a richer perspective on the Hauts-de-France region!

The Hauts-de-France region is typified by its maritime and Flemish borders, agrarian economy, ancient trade fairs tradition, former textile and mine industries steeped in the Catholic values of its captains and vivid memory of wounds inflicted by two world wars. France’s youngest region is now renowned for its competitiveness, dynamic cultural and social life, and a unique mix of Flemish cheerfulness and French elegance.

OLD LILLE: Guided tour of streets, squares and monuments of the old town and its beautiful ancient architecture.
CH’TI EVENING: Local cuisine in a traditional restaurant and introduction to the Ch’ti linguistic and cultural specificity.
BRUGES, BELGIUM: Free time in the charming old Flemish city, also known as “the Venice of the North” thanks to its beautiful canals.
FINE ARTS MUSEUM OF LILLE: Visit the exciting collection and splendid building of the largest fine arts museum in France beside Paris.

Introduction to the French-Speaking World

Getting a taste for the French language or rediscovering it.

Spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, French is a beautiful and fascinating language with a rich history and culture. One of the most compelling reasons to learn French is the vast amount of cultural and artistic treasures it unlocks. Besides, knowing French, official language of diplomacy, can open doors to many career opportunities. French is relatively accessible for English speakers, thanks to its many cognates (words that are similar in both languages) that make it easier to build vocabulary and to understand.

An interactive workshop will take the participants through an exploration of the presence and role of French language in the world as well as key linguistic features. Whether they are beginners or intermediate French speakers, the participants will be initiated to basic day-to-day French (greetings, first interactions) or lead to refresh and develop their communication skills.

Prospects & Innovation for Euro-Mediterranean & Middle East Heritage