Meet Sarah

Sarah Ward is recognised as one of Asia Pacific’s most distinguished and experienced experts in the field of underwater cultural heritage. She investigates, protects and promotes our maritime past to inform, illuminate and inspire our shared future.

A respected Research Professor experienced Principal Investigator and accomplished Archaeological Project Director, Sarah has over twenty years professional experience in Maritime Archaeology, Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) management, and capacity building through outreach, education, and stakeholder engagement. 

Currently a Visiting Professor of Maritime Archaeology at Dalian Maritime University, China’s principal maritime institution, Sarah is an intensely curious, optimistic, creative and results-oriented individual. She has directed, managed or participated in over 100 archaeological projects and expeditions in over 35 countries and has more than 200 reports and publications to her name.

She is a UKHSE and ADAS Commercial Diver, a Fellow of the Explorer’s Club, MIT Ocean Discovery Fellow, Nautical Archaeology Society Senior Tutor and a Member of the Centre for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC), a global think tank established to foster the discussion on securing our seas. She has been based in China since 2018.If you would like to know more about Sarah, you can listen to her speaking about her experiences on the BBC World Service, here.