Introduction

The specificity of the research carried out at the CIHAM on medieval worlds is embodied by its spatial anchoring (both sides of the Mediterranean), interdisciplinarity (history, archaeology, literature) and comparatism (Christian and Muslim worlds).

The CIHAM laboratory is resolutely open to worldwide scholarship. The scientific events and programmes in which the CIHAM participates attests to its strong position within international research networks, as does its presence in many archaeological sites (Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Israel, Kuwait).

To achieve its ambitions, the CIHAM relies on a wide range of partnerships: Departmental and Metropolitan Archives (Lyon), Heritage Department (Isle-sur-la-Sorgue), DRAC Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, AURA Region, Agorantic Research Federation, MSH Lyon St-Étienne, Casa de Velázquez, École française de Rome, IFAO, IFPO, Universität Erfurt...

The CIHAM's activities also fall within the framework of various recognized programs: ANR, DFG, ESR/EquipEx+, etc.

The CIHAM attaches particular importance to digital resources and corpora as well as to the dissemination of research.

Finally, the laboratory takes care to communicate its activities to a broad public and keep that public up to date on all developments through its website and its widely distributed newsletter.