The South East Research Framework (SERF) for the historic environment is a regional and partnership project aimed at getting a clear understanding of what we actually know about the past in East Sussex, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex. From this it will be possible to focus on what we would like to know, and therefore suggest new directions for future research. The project covers all periods in the region from the Lower Palaeolithic until the 20th century, and also includes thematic approaches, like the study of Historic Landscapes. All four county councils are involved, as well as local and county societies, universities, archaeological units and, of course, CBA South East.

So far the project has included a series of public seminars at the Institute of Archaeology in London and a conference hosted by the University of Kent at Medway. Detailed notes and some papers from the seminar series can be read on-line at http://www.kent.gov.uk/publications/environment/serf-seminar-notes.htm, and notes and discussion topics from the conference are also available at http://www.kent.gov.uk/publications/environment/serf-conference.htm. Contributors are currently producing a SERF Resource Assessment and Research Agenda volume, which is entering the editorial stage. This publication will include both an assessment of our current knowledge and an agenda highlighting areas where that knowledge might be improved, and will be available as hard copy and on-line.

The final phase of the project, when we begin to map out our Research Strategy, is in fact the start of an ongoing process. The Research Framework will be constantly revisited and updated in the coming years in line with new information and ideas.

To read more about SERF, follow on-line publication and contribute to the Research Framework for the South East, go to
http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment/our-environment/kents-heritage/south-east-research-framework/, and watch this space too!