John McCarthy

Dr John McCarthy is a DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Maritime Archaeology at Flinders University, where he coordinates the Maritime Archaeology Program. A qualified Scientific Diver, he has directed numerous shipwreck surveys and contributed to submerged landscape research across the North Sea, Baltic, Levant, and Australia. His work integrates digital innovation with traditional archaeological methods to explore submerged cultural heritage.

Dr McCarthy's educational background includes:

• PhD in Maritime Archaeology from Flinders University
• MPhil in Archaeology from Queens University Belfast
• BA (Hons) in History from Trinity College Dublin

His research focuses on digital innovation in archaeological methods, submerged landscapes, and European merchant vessels of the Early Modern period. Dr McCarthy specializes in using machine learning for detecting submerged archaeological landscapes, integrating passive and active remote sensing data to produce digital reconstructions for virtual reality applications. His work bridges traditional field archaeology with cutting-edge digital methodologies to uncover and preserve underwater cultural heritage.

Dr McCarthy's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on submerged landscapes, digital archaeological methods, shipwreck documentation, and Indigenous maritime heritage. His work spans global contexts from Australia to Europe, with a particular emphasis on how sea level changes have impacted cultural landscapes over millennia. He combines traditional archaeological approaches with innovative digital tools to advance maritime archaeological practice.

His scientific achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards:

• Vice-Chancellor's Innovation in Teaching Award (2022)
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Early Career Researchers (2021)
• Vice Chancellor's Award for Doctoral Thesis Excellence (2021)
• Best paper at MAPX maritime archaeology conference (2020)
• The Ruth and Vincent Megaw Award for Outstanding Collaboration (2019)
• Europa Nostra/EU Cultural Heritage award for SAMPHIRE project (2017)

As a DECRA Fellow, Dr McCarthy leads significant research initiatives while actively mentoring students through the Maritime Archaeology Program. He has contributed expert input in Native Title cases and has extensive experience in archaeological excavation, cultural heritage mitigation, and strategic heritage assessments. His current DECRA Fellowship explores machine learning applications for detecting submerged archaeological landscapes in Australian waters.

Dr McCarthy plays a key role in the Deep History of Sea Country project and collaborates closely with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation. He co-convenes maritime archaeology sessions at international conferences like WAC10 and serves as Vice President of the Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology. His work bridges academic research with community engagement and practical heritage management.