# Maison méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'homme

> French research institute located in Aix-en-Provence

**Wikidata**: [Q3280224](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3280224)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maison-mediterraneenne-des-sciences-de-l-homme

## Summary
Maison méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'homme (MMSH) is a French research institute located in Aix-en-Provence, established in 2008. It operates as a joint research unit under the supervision of Aix-Marseille University and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The institute focuses on humanities and social sciences research with a Mediterranean perspective.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2008 as a joint research unit (USR3125) under CNRS
- Located at 5 rue du Chateau de l'Horloge, 13094 Aix-en-Provence, France
- Coordinates: 43.5282567° N, 5.4177096° E
- Parent organizations: Aix-Marseille University and National Center for Scientific Research
- Also known as MMSH and Phonothèque de la MMSH
- Website: http://www.mmsh.univ-aix.fr/ with Alexa rank of 513,970 (as of January 2018)
- ISNI: 0000000122983894 and VIAF ID: 154702628
- Ringgold ID: 326552 and ROR ID: 01ejp3f31
- French National Research Structure ID: 200817679L

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main focus of Maison méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'homme?
A: MMSH is a research institute specializing in humanities and social sciences with a particular focus on Mediterranean studies. It conducts interdisciplinary research and hosts various research teams and laboratories.

### Q: Who can access the resources at MMSH?
A: As a research institute affiliated with Aix-Marseille University and CNRS, MMSH primarily serves researchers, academics, and students in humanities and social sciences. Some resources and events may be open to the public.

### Q: What makes MMSH unique among French research institutions?
A: MMSH is distinctive for its specific focus on Mediterranean studies within the humanities and social sciences, combining research activities with archival collections through its Phonothèque. It represents a unique institutional model as a joint research unit between a university and CNRS.

## Why It Matters
Maison méditerranéenne des Sciences de l'homme plays a crucial role in advancing humanities and social sciences research with a Mediterranean perspective. By bringing together researchers from various disciplines under one institution, it fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and creates a unique intellectual environment focused on the cultures, societies, and histories of the Mediterranean region. The institute serves as a vital hub for academic exchange, hosting conferences, seminars, and research projects that contribute to our understanding of Mediterranean societies and their global connections. Its location in Aix-en-Provence, a city with deep historical ties to Mediterranean culture, further enhances its significance as a center for scholarly inquiry. Through its research activities and archival collections, MMSH helps preserve and analyze cultural heritage while generating new knowledge that addresses contemporary challenges facing Mediterranean societies.

## Notable For
- Unique focus on Mediterranean humanities and social sciences research
- Joint research unit model combining university and CNRS resources
- Houses the Phonothèque, a specialized sound archive collection
- Strategic location in Aix-en-Provence, a historic Mediterranean cultural center
- Interdisciplinary approach bringing together diverse research teams

## Body
### Institutional Structure and Governance
MMSH operates as a Unité Mixte de Service (UMS) under the supervision of both Aix-Marseille University and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). This joint structure allows it to leverage resources and expertise from both institutions while maintaining its independent research identity. The institute is identified by the French National Research Structure ID 200817679L and functions as CNRS research group USR3125.

### Research Activities and Collections
The institute hosts multiple research teams and laboratories focused on various aspects of Mediterranean studies, including archaeology, history, anthropology, and linguistics. A key component of MMSH is its Phonothèque, which serves as a specialized sound archive preserving oral traditions, music, and linguistic heritage from the Mediterranean region. This combination of active research and archival collections makes MMSH a unique resource for scholars.

### Physical Infrastructure and Location
Located at 5 rue du Chateau de l'Horloge in Aix-en-Provence, the institute occupies a purpose-built facility that houses research offices, laboratories, conference spaces, and archival collections. The building's coordinates are 43.5282567° N, 5.4177096° E, placing it in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, a city known for its cultural significance and historical connections to Mediterranean civilization.

### Digital Presence and Accessibility
MMSH maintains an active online presence through its website (http://www.mmsh.univ-aix.fr/), which serves as a portal for information about research activities, publications, and events. The institute's digital infrastructure supports both internal research collaboration and external engagement with the broader academic community. Its Alexa ranking of 513,970 indicates a moderate level of web traffic, primarily from academic and research audiences.

### International Recognition and Networks
The institute has established various international identifiers that facilitate its participation in global research networks. These include ISNI (0000000122983894), VIAF ID (154702628), and ROR ID (01ejp3f31), which help connect MMSH's research outputs to international databases and citation systems. The institute also maintains relationships with national libraries and research institutions across Europe and beyond.

## References

1. CiNii Research
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. [Source](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc/htmlview)
4. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 3 August 2021](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20210803)
5. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 17 February 2022](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20220217)
6. [Source](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
7. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 27 June 2023](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20230627)
8. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 16 May 2024](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20240516)
9. [Alexa Internet](https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/mmsh.univ-aix.fr/)
10. ROR release v1.30
11. [Open GLAM Survey](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File