Key Achievements

1. A Mature and Structuring Research Network. DIM PAMIR has successfully consolidated a large, interdisciplinary, and highly dynamic network, bringing together over one hundred laboratories and more than 1,300 researchers. The network continues to demonstrate strong growth and stability, with approximately two-thirds of laboratories actively involved in funded projects. The programme has reached a level of maturity where it acts not only as a funding instrument, but as a structuring force for the entire field of heritage science at the regional level.

2. Excellence in Interdisciplinarity. The Committee particularly notes the depth and effectiveness of interdisciplinarity, which goes beyond formal collaboration:

  • Approximately 76% of projects involve two or more disciplinary sectors
  • A strong presence of Social Sciences and Humanities (around 64%)

This confirms that DIM PAMIR has succeeded in building a truly integrated interdisciplinary ecosystem, which is rare at this scale.

3. Outstanding Open Science Strategy and Creation of Shared Platforms. DIM PAMIR continues to demonstrate international leadership in Open Science, with a highly coherent and operational approach thanks to the systematic use of Data Management Plans and the creation of the ODATAMA project, which constitutes a pioneering initiative in structuring and analysing research data. The cartography activities and the ADAMA platform—designed to provide comprehensive information on the equipment available across partner institutions, whether funded by the project or not, along with their access policies—are outstanding. These initiatives should be strongly supported and further developed in the future, as they play a key role in sustaining and strengthening the network.

4. Strong Support to Early Career Researchers. DIM PAMIR confirms its excellent performance in training and career development:

  • Around 89% of young researchers are employed
  • 56% have stable positions

This is a remarkable outcome, demonstrating the relevance of interdisciplinary training and the added value of the DIM framework.

5. Effective Engagement with Society and Innovation Ecosystem. The programme has significantly strengthened:

  • public engagement (events, workshops, exhibitions)
  • links with socio-economic actors
  • early-stage innovation (including start-ups emerging from the network)

The Committee also notes the growing attention to technology transfer and socio-economic impact, which should be further developed in the future.

Points of Attention

1. Sustainability and Future Funding. As already highlighted in 2024, the main strategic challenge remains the sustainability of the programme. The uncertainty regarding funding beyond 2026–2027 raises critical questions:

  • How can the network be maintained without regional support?
  • What elements should be prioritised for long-term sustainability?

2. The “Heritage in Danger” Project. The Committee notes that the “Patrimoine en danger” (Heritage in Danger) project has not progressed as initially planned. From the reports and discussions, the main reasons include difficulty of integrating museum-based actors into research funding schemes. The project was ultimately suspended and not restarted, despite initial commitment from key partners such as the Louvre.