The Coastal and Inland Waters Heritage Science Facility supports research, innovation, and training in the recording, monitoring and interpretation of heritage in coastal, riverine and lacustrine environments.
Based at the University of Southampton, CIW provides access to specialist equipment, technical expertise and collaborative support for projects working across the complex interface between land and water. The facility brings together approaches from archaeology, heritage science, geophysics, imaging, remote sensing and environmental monitoring to help understand and protect heritage sites facing increasing pressure from climate change, erosion, development and environmental change.
We work with researchers, heritage organisations, community groups, public bodies and commercial partners to support high-quality data collection, integrated survey design, training and knowledge exchange.
Core Activities
Research
CIW supports all stages of research, from project development and survey design through to data collection, processing, analysis and research outputs.
Working across coastal, riverine, lacustrine and submerged environments, the facility supports interdisciplinary archaeological and environmental research through integrated land–water approaches and advanced digital recording methodologies.
Training & Engagement
CIW supports training, knowledge exchange and public engagement, working with students, researchers, professionals and community partners.
From field-based survey training and digital recording workshops to public engagement activities and community-led initiatives, the facility supports skills development, interdisciplinary exchange and the co-production of knowledge and datasets across a range of disciplines and sectors.
Commercial
CIW supports commercial and consultancy activities, providing specialist expertise in heritage survey, imaging, documentation and analysis.
Working with heritage organisations, industry partners, public bodies and external collaborators, the facility supports high-quality data collection, monitoring and visualisation across a range of archaeological and environmental contexts.
Team
Based in Archaeology and working across disciplines, we draw on our expertise in marine and maritime archaeology, engineering and heritage science as well as our close connections with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute and National Oceanography Centre.
Prof Fraser Sturt
Director
Dr Stephanie Blakshein
Facility Manager
Mr Luke Aspland
Imaging Specialist
CIW works with a wider network of researchers, technical specialists and partner organisations across archaeology, marine science, engineering, geophysics, environmental monitoring and digital heritage.