Topic 01
High-Quality Holistic Data Acquisition in Cultural Heritage
High-quality data acquisition constitutes the foundation of all digital cultural heritage processes. This topic focuses on comprehensive and integrated approaches for capturing cultural assets, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and long-term usability.
Indicative subtopics include:
- Advanced 3D digitisation (laser scanning, photogrammetry, UAV-based methods),
- Multi-sensor data fusion and hybrid acquisition pipelines,
- High-resolution, hyperspectral, and multi-modal imaging,
- Real-time and in-situ data acquisition technologies,
- Data quality assessment, uncertainty modelling, and validation,
- Standardisation and interoperability,
- Paradata – Quality Certificates of results and metadata frameworks,
- AI-assisted and automated acquisition workflows,
- Capturing intangible heritage and contextual knowledge,
- Non-Destructive Technologies, Materials and Production/Construction Technologies, and
- Ethical considerations and authenticity in data capture.
Topic 02
Knowledge Management Systems & Knowledge Graphs in Digital Cultural Heritage
The increasing complexity and volume of cultural heritage data demand advanced knowledge management approaches. This topic explores intelligent systems that enable structured representation, semantic enrichment, and meaningful exploitation of cultural heritage information.
Indicative subtopics include:
- Knowledge Graphs for cultural heritage representation and integration,
- Ontologies, semantic web technologies, and linked open data,
- Interoperable knowledge management systems and platforms,
- Integration of heterogeneous and multi-source datasets,
- AI and machine learning for knowledge extraction and reasoning,
- Semantic annotation, enrichment, and metadata harmonisation,
- Digital Twins and Memory Twins driven by knowledge systems,
- Data provenance, trust, and explainability,
- User-centric knowledge access, visualisation, and storytelling, and
- Knowledge Long Term Preservation (including Paradata, metadata and Data).
Topic 03
The “Metaverse”, Persistent Virtual Worlds, VR, MR & XR Applications in Digital Cultural Heritage
(Transferring the Message to a Multidisciplinary User Community)
Immersive technologies are redefining how cultural heritage is experienced, understood, and communicated. This topic focuses on innovative XR applications and the so-called “Metaverse” which bridges research, education, and public engagement. How can people learn from the Past?
Indicative subtopics include:
- Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality applications for heritage interpretation,
- Metaverse environments for cultural heritage exploration and interaction,
- Human-centred design and user experience (UX),
- Storytelling, serious games, and edutainment approaches,
- Multi-user collaboration in virtual heritage spaces,
- Accessibility and inclusive design for diverse audiences,
- Integration of Digital-Twins and/or Memory-Twins into immersive environments,
- Evaluation of user engagement, learning, and societal impact,
- Multimedia Encyclopedias, and
- Ethical and cultural implications of immersive technologies.
Topic 04
Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Heritage & the Role of Digital Technologies
The illicit trafficking of cultural heritage remains a major global challenge. Digital technologies offer powerful tools to document, trace, protect, and support the recovery of cultural assets. This topic focuses on how Digital Cultural Heritage can actively contribute to combating illicit activities.
Indicative subtopics include:
- Smart Digital documentation and inventory systems for cultural assets,
- Provenance tracking and blockchain-based solutions,
- AI-driven detection of illicit trafficking and forgery,
- Image recognition and object identification systems,
- Interoperable databases and international data sharing,
- Risk assessment and early warning systems,
- Legal, ethical, and policy frameworks,
- Collaboration with law enforcement and international organisations,
- Case studies and best practices in combating illicit trafficking.
