ICOM-CC WOAM Conference 2025

The 16th Conference of the International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation Working Group on Wet Organic Archaeological Materials (ICOM-CC WOAM) was held in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, from 15 to 19 September 2025. The host institution of this significant professional gathering was the Museum of Gothenburg, one of the region’s leading museums dedicated to cultural and historical heritage.

Traditionally held every three years, the WOAM Conference brings together experts from around the world who specialise in the conservation and restoration of underwater organic materials such as wood, leather, textiles, and other substances recovered from submerged archaeological contexts. This year’s programme included a series of oral presentations, poster sessions, and expert discussions aimed at showcasing the latest scientific approaches and conservation practices, as well as facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience among conservators, scientists, and researchers.

Within the framework of the thematic session Case Studies, the conference was attended by a representative of the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, Senior Conservator-Restorer Anita Jelić. Through her poster presentation entitled "Conservation of Two Wooden Beams from a Post-Medieval Shipwreck", she presented the results of conservation-restoration works carried out on two wooden beams from a shipwreck dated to the 16th century. The presentation provided insight into the specific conservation challenges associated with the treatment and stabilisation of wooden structures exposed to the marine environment.

As part of the conference, an official meeting of the WOAM Working Group was also held, during which the importance of international knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the sharing of diverse practices in the field of underwater cultural heritage conservation was particularly emphasised. On this occasion, lifetime achievement awards were presented to distinguished professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the discipline and the preservation of wet organic archaeological materials.

The Gothenburg conference once again reaffirmed the essential role of interdisciplinary cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the preservation of fragile materials recovered from underwater archaeological contexts. The participation of Croatian professionals in such international events significantly contributes to the global visibility and recognition of Croatia’s underwater cultural heritage.