From 15–16 July 2025, the Bulgarian Hub of the BCThubs project successfully launched its training activities with a specialized hands-on course in Marine Geophysics, held in the historic coastal town of Sozopol. Organized by the Center for Underwater Archaeology (CUA), the training marked an important milestone in BCThubs’ mission to empower young professionals in the field of underwater cultural heritage.
Over the course of two days, more than 10 students from two of Bulgaria’s leading academic institutions—St. Ivan Rilski University of Mining and Geology and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”—participated in a comprehensive learning experience led by engineer Kiril Velkovski and the expert team from CUA.
The training combined theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork, giving participants direct exposure to core geophysical techniques used in underwater archaeological research. These included methods for seabed mapping and subsurface analysis—essential tools for modern maritime exploration and heritage conservation. By applying these techniques in real-life conditions, the students not only gained valuable technical skills but also a deeper understanding of how geophysics contributes to the sustainable management of submerged cultural assets.
This training was implemented with the support of the Bulgarian Hub partners:
Center for Underwater Archaeology (CUA) Aqua Prom Ltd. Institute of Information and Communication Technologies – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IICT-BAS) Balkan Heritage Field School
This training course set a strong foundation for the BCThubs programme’s broader mission: to build a sustainable, cross-border network of professionals and institutions dedicated to advancing the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Black Sea region. By combining scientific expertise with regional cooperation, the Bulgarian Hub empowered specialists in the field and reinforced the shared responsibility of preserving our submerged past for future generations.
