RePaZ

RePaZ (Recherche et Patrimoine en Zones de crises) (Research and Heritage in Crisis Zones) is a research group hosted at the INHA (Paris), in collaboration with the “Terrains contraints” mission of UAR 2999 (CNRS) and the Observatoire des patrimoines de l’Alliance Sorbonne Université (OPUS). It supports research on material heritage threatened by crises and assists researchers whose working conditions are profoundly undermined by political violence, exile, or restricted access to the field. By virtue of its members’ expertise, RePaZ focuses on the Middle East and neighboring zones such as the Caucasus and the Iranian world.

Our missions:

Bringing together research on heritage in crisis zones

RePaZ monitors projects in art history and archaeology focused on research in crisis zones, both those based in France and abroad. Particular attention is given to new methods and alternative methodologies.

This information is gathered and disseminated through several digital channels: our website, newsletter, and social media.

The goal is to combat the growing isolation of researchers in the discipline, by aiding access to existing initiatives, strengthening support networks, and facilitating exchanges within an increasingly scattered and disconnected community.

Supporting researchers

RePaZ hosts researchers at all stages of their career, from doctoral candidates through established scholars, whether funded through public programs or private philanthropy.

RePaZ also monitors available funding opportunities (fellowships, open project calls, emergency schemes) aimed at researchers in exile or endangered situations.

These schemes are intended to prioritize researchers whose working conditions are threatened or restricted, whether due to armed conflict, political instability, or inability to access the field.

Creating a unique forum for scholarly debate

RePaZ brings together experts in heritage research and protection (international organizations, cultural institutions, ministerial actors) to collectively rethink scholarly and pedagogical practices in conflict zones.

This forum has a concrete mission: to formulate advice and recommendations on the human, financial, structural, and methodological needs required to maintain excellent scientific research on the affected regions.