SEAsia

Presentation : HOPsea

Humans inhabit the Southeast Asian archipelago since more than one and a half million years. The fossil remains they left behind are among the earliest discoveries made in the history of palaeoanthropology. However, we have until now only limited knowledge about their habitat and lifestyle. Current research on the earliest inhabitants of Southeast Asian islands is hampered among other things by the present distribution of original fossils and related remains. These are stored in collections located in Europe and Southeast Asia and are until now only available to scientists who put up extensive travels.
The HOPSea network provides the basis for a trendsetting and sustainable international collaboration in the area of research on hominid evolution in Southeast Asia, equally available to all participating partners. The HOPSea network allows improving scientific exchanges between European and Southeast Asian partners in order to consolidate the link between scientific and public circles.

During its initial phase the HOPSea network comprises joint projects for:
- designing and developing an online platform and database,
- collaborating for teaching and training students,
- organizing public presentations and exhibitions.

Meetings are held regularly to support direct exchanges between the partners and ensure a continuous evaluation of the project. After this initial phase of three years, the HOPsea network will be open to new international partners (universities, museums and other institutions).