The 6th Maritime Archaeology Graduate Symposium (MAGS 2025)

Date: April 2-5, 2025
Location: The Symposium will be held at the University of Ioannina, Greece (map). Venue: International Centre of Hellenic Education “STAVROS NIARCHOS”, “Dimitrios Glaros” amphitheatre (map).

Abstract and Bursary Submission deadline: November 1st. You can find the call for papers here.

Organisers: Dr Panos Tzovaras (post-doctoral researcher, University of Ioannina – Honor Frost Foundation) and Dr Dimitrios Karampas (University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology (OCMA)).

The 6th Maritime Archaeology Graduate Symposium (MAGS) invites scholars of Maritime Archaeology and related sub-disciplines, whose studies focus on the eastern Mediterranean. The symposium is organised by the Department of History and Archaeology of the University of Ioannina and is sponsored by the Honor Frost Foundation (HFF) and the University of Ioannina (Greece). MAGS 2025 will take place over 4 days (2-5 April 2025) at the premises of the University of Ioannina and the amphitheatre “Dimitrios Glaros” of the International Centre of Hellenic Education “Stavros Niarchos” (map).

MAGS 2025 is the ideal opportunity to present your research at an international gathering. The symposium aims to attract postgraduates, young scholars, and early career researchers of maritime archaeology and related sub-disciplines, whose studies focus on the eastern Mediterranean region. As this is the first time MAGS will be held in Greece, we especially encourage participation from students and young scholars from nearby regions who may not have previously engaged with our symposium. This aims to broaden our community and enrich the academic exchange.

The MAGS 2025 aims to stand out by incorporating not only traditional academic presentations but also special sessions, interactive workshops, hands-on experiences, and mentorship opportunities. By integrating diverse perspectives, methodologies, and experiences, MAGS 2025 seeks to create a unique space that goes beyond a conventional symposium, offering, participants a holistic and enriching experience in the realm of maritime archaeology. It is aimed to provide a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, as well as a platform where emerging researchers can engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative ideas, and form lasting connections of mentors and peers, within the maritime archaeology community. MAGS 2025 aspires to feature sessions specifically designed to address the needs and challenges faced by early career researchers and offer opportunities for one-on-one interactions with established scholars.

In this MAGS, we welcome postgraduates and early career researchers to submit their papers focusing on the development, breakthroughs of research, and recent discoveries in the Maritime Archaeology of the eastern Mediterranean region via interdisciplinary methods. For instance, the exploitation of tools offered by other sciences that can be applied in maritime contexts concerning the preservation and wider communication of the underwater and maritime cultural heritage, excavation and research of submerged sites, wrecks, reconstruction techniques, and so forth. Specifically, this symposium aims to explore and promote new methodological approaches and provide a safe, conducive environment for the discussion and research on this gradually developing field.

Besides the main theme, the HHF remains a forum focused on progress and developments in Maritime Archaeology and will also welcome contributions that extend beyond conventional topics, including the following themes:

• Nautical and Harbour Archaeology
• Maritime Networks and Social Interactions
• Maritime Cultural Landscapes and Seafaring Communities
• Geoarchaeology and Palaeoenvironments
• Sustainability and Historic Ships
• Ship Ecience and Engineering of Ancient Boats/Harbours
• Maritime History, Ethnography and Art

Abstract submission:
Abstracts should be kept in the range of 250 words and include the title, applicant’s details and institutional affiliation (please, refer to the “abstract guidelines” tab). A limited number of poster proposals is also accepted. Please include four keywords.

Submissions should be sent via the following link by November 1st, 2024:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeR9pyIOrJ938hehgUA9prD-3nXVLU6-GUaV-tRNRBpVETQMQ/viewform

Paper Presentation: Each presentation will be given a fifteen-minute time slot for oral delivery, followed by five minutes for questions and discussion. Attendance in person is mandatory. Poster presentation will take place in a special session (attendance in person is also mandatory).

Publication: Following the quality assessment of the research papers presented at the Symposium, speakers will be strongly encouraged to submit their work to the online HFF Short Report Series. Moreover, MAGS 2025 aims to print and publish the proceedings via the series of University of Ioannina Press. More details to be announced in the due course. 

Bursaries

The Foundation is pleased to offer a total of six scholarships of up to £1000 to allow emerging scholars from the region to attend the Maritime Archaeology Graduate Symposium (MAGS) at the University of Ioannina in Greece.

This bursary is open to scholars intending to present at MAGS 2025 from Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon, or Syria. The deadline is on November 1st.

You can apply by clicking on the following link: https://hff-mags.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=1521&action=edit

For further information and updates regarding the bursary scheme and the conference in general, please refer to the HFF website and the MAGS Facebook and X pages. For any enquiries, please contact us directly: mags.symposium2025@gmail.com.

Attendance form:

Please register your interest to attend the conference via the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHsaT56tcdwwn5vTuegbPLMW46qmYazknh21NyR9qAl6eIHQ/viewform?usp=send_form

 

Supporting Institutions:

HFF