Publications

Please find below the public project publications. Documents will be uploaded in line with the project’s advancement.

Conference papers

Solbes, Á., Gaitán, M., Palma, B., Pérez, I., Casas, S., Galello, G., Portalés, C., & Alba, E. (2024). Interactive tools for monitoring the state of conservation of Cultural Heritage. An introduction to the ChemiNova project [Paper presentation]. In V Congreso Iberoamericano, Investigación en Conservación del Patrimonio, Innovación Digital en la Preservación del Legado Cultural, Valencia, Spain. (Not yet published).

Led by the University of Valencia, ChemiNova is a groundbreaking European project revolutionizing cultural heritage conservation. It tackles threats like climate change and conflicts by developing innovative tools to monitor and analyze the deterioration of cultural assets. Through a multifaceted approach, ChemiNova leverages a consortium of experts from various fields. Their modular system combines cutting-edge technologies like AI, virtual reality, and 3D modeling. This allows for in-depth chemical analysis, automatic damage detection, and the creation of detailed 3D models of monuments and objects. Citizen participation is fundamental in ChemiNova. Local communities are actively involved in data collection and raise awareness about the value of heritage protection. One of the project’s most exciting advancements is the use of deep learning to analyze images and automatically detect damage. This significantly improves the assessment of cultural assets’ condition. Additionally, enriched 3D models facilitate precise analysis and generate conservation reports, empowering professionals to make informed decisions. ChemiNova represents a breakthrough in cultural heritage conservation. By offering accessible and innovative technological solutions, it paves the way for protecting our cultural legacy for generations to come. Early results are highly promising, demonstrating the effectiveness of these tools in detecting and analyzing damage across various materials.

Alba, E., Bâcu, V., Bonazza, A., Botina, D., Cappello, F., Dobrzalski, E., Dorninger, P., Gabay, N., Geuter, J., Heidarianbaei, M., Jigyasu, R., Kordali, O., Luxman, R., Mansouri, A., Megna, B., Palla, F., Palma, B., Polsterer, H., Portalés, C., Rossé, M., Rottensteiner, F., Sardella, A., Solbes, Á., Ștefănuț, T., Tapini, L.–M., and Tymoshenko, N. (2025). On the design and development of new technologies to detect damages in cultural heritage assets [Paper presentation]. In CHNT – ICOMOS Editorial board. Proceedings of the 29th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies. Vienna, Austria. (Not yet published).

Europe’s Cultural Heritage (CH) is a rich and diverse melting pot of traditions, monuments, and communities where we have boiled our identity, well-being, and sense of belonging. The awareness of the need to safeguard it from natural and human-made hazards increased particularly in recent years, due to the intensification of the impacts of climate-induced extreme events and armed conflicts. This paper focuses on introducing the project ChemiNova, bringing some preliminary results. ChemiNova aims to develop a myriad of technologies to improve the conservation, analysis and monitoring of European Cultural Heritage assets. Gathering, putting in a common reference frame and analysing a variety of data, we are tackling structural and chemical damages, focusing on human-induced threats, such as climate change, air pollution and armed conflicts. In brief, we will facilitate conservators’ work to the extent that using a single framework they can document, digitise, classify, and share information for CH conservation by making use of advance interactive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual collaborative shared spaces.

Palma, B., Solbes, Á., Nieto, A., Pérez, I., Gaitán, M., León, A., Alba, E. & Portalés, C. (2025). Digital heritage and cultural analysis (DHECA): Fostering interdisciplinary innovation in heritage studies [Paper presentation]. In INTED2025 Proceedings, pp. 3105-3112. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2025.0805

The Digital Heritage and Cultural Analysis (DHECA) initiative, which is part of the Emerging Educational Innovation Projects 2024-2025 of the Universitat de València (UVEG), aims to spearhead innovative approaches related to the field of cultural heritage to UVEG’s studies. This initiative was conceived by the Department of Art History in collaboration with the Institute of Robotics and Communication and Information Technologies (IRTIC), the Horizon-EU ChemiNova research project, and the Arxiu Valencià del Disseny. It invited undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines to participate in a series of interdisciplinary workshops. These workshops explored cutting-edge techniques in digital heritage documentation, including imaging techniques, 3D visualisation, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR), and interactive museum experiences. By encouraging collaboration among history, art history, conservation, computer science, and multimedia engineering students, the project aims to break down disciplinary silos and encourage innovative approaches to heritage research. A key feature of the DHECA project was its emphasis on practical learning. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world cultural projects and collaborate closely with professionals, thereby making a significant contribution to educational innovation. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with digital heritage, this project will enhance the quality of cultural heritage research and prepare them for careers in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Heidarianbaei, M., Dorozynski, M., Mehltretter, M., & Rottensteiner, F.: NoMeFormer: Non-Manifold Mesh Transformer [Paper presentation]. In ISPRS Ann. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., X-G-2025, 365–373, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-X-G-2025-365-2025, 2025.

Semantic segmentation of textured 3D meshes, i.e. the assignment of a class label to each triangle of such a mesh, is an important task in various fields. Existing deep learning models face problems when processing meshes with non-manifold structures. Most methods for 3D mesh classification rely on the assumption of manifold structure, which limits their applicability in real-world scenarios. To address this limitation, we propose NoMeFormer, a transformer-based framework specifically designed to handle any type of 3D mesh without imposing structural constraints, making it particularly suited for non-manifold mesh segmentation. A key innovation in our approach is the introduction of Local-Global (L-G) transformer blocks, which address the quadratic complexity of transformers. Initially, features are aggregated within spatial clusters of faces, followed by capturing long-range dependencies between faces via global attention. This architecture enables the model to effectively leverage both low- and high-frequency contextual information. Our experiments show that a variant of NoMeFormer based on geometrical features achieves a mean F1 score of 58.9% on the Hessigheim 3D benchmark dataset. Our framework overcomes the limitations of manifold-based approaches, offering a robust solution for semantic segmentation on non-manifold 3D meshes.

Solbes, Á. (2025). El entorno ChemiNova: un ecosistema de herramientas digitales para la documentación, conservación y difusión del patrimonio cultural amenazado por el cambio climático y los conflictos civiles [Paper presentation]. In IX Foro Ibérico de Estudios Museológicos: Transitar el territorio del museo. Madrid, Spain. (Not yet published).

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, and are one of the main causes of deterioration in cultural heritage. Following the extreme weather events that occurred in the province of Valencia on 29 October 2024, a large number of small towns were severely affected. Local museums and travelling exhibitions of contemporary collections in these local environments have also suffered the consequences of the catastrophe.

From the very beginning, the University of Valencia has promoted various actions and projects to safeguard the heritage affected by the DANA (an intense low-pressure system), such as the creation of the “Salvem les fotos” programme, focused on the photographic family heritage of the affected families. This communication focuses on the management of four damaged contemporary collections located in local settings: the works of Antonio Barroso, which were stored at the Museu de la Festa in Algemesí; the collection of Francesc Sempere Fernández de Mesa, which was on display at the Casino de Algemesí during the catastrophe; part of the Martínez Guerricabeitia collection belonging to the heritage of the Universitat de València, which was travelling in Aldaia; and finally, the collection of Antonia Mir, from her own museum in Catarroja. The needs of each of the collections, despite having been affected by the same phenomenon, are different depending on their materials, the techniques used to create them, or even their dimensions, highlighting the specific issues and conservation problems of contemporary art compared to traditional art. The general process carried out on all the collections begins with the urgent rescue of the works from the spaces where they were located, followed by an inventory and registration of the assets attended to. However, the emergency situation and the quantity of works mean that the action protocols have to be modified according to the particular requirements of the collections. Within the framework of the European project ChemiNova, led by the Universitat de València, a set of non-invasive tools has been applied for the analysis, characterisation, and diagnosis of the conservation status of the works. Following the project’s framework, certain actions have been carried out, such as the conservation reports specific to the project. Advanced imaging techniques such as multiband imaging (MBI) and hyperspectral reflectance imaging (HSI) have also been used. Furthermore, three-dimensional models of the pieces are being developed, which will soon include the analytical data obtained in the form of layers, generating enriched digital replicas that favour conservation, management, and the dissemination of cultural heritage. With this communication, we aim to disseminate the actions carried out for the rescue of contemporary collections in the local sphere, and to highlight the specific needs in the conservation and documentation of contemporary art, as well as its adequate valuation compared to traditional artwork.

León, A., Solbes, Á., Cano, C., Villuendas, E., Portalés, C., & Alba, E. (2025). ChemiNova: nuevas herramientas para una conservación sostenible del patrimonio [Paper presentation]. In III Simposio Internacional de Patrimonio Cultural ICOMOS-España. Valladolid, Spain. (Not yet published).

Despite scientific advances in protecting cultural heritage (CH) from natural and man-made hazards, as noted in the report ‘Strengthening Cultural Heritage Resilience for Climate Change’ (2022), climate change adaptation and risk reduction strategies do not comprehensively integrate CH preservation into National Plans. This gap persists due to the lack of a commonly agreed methodology for quantifying and monitoring heritage damage and loss, which hinders collaboration between technical teams and data sharing. In this context, the ChemiNova project, funded by Horizon Europe 2024, offers an innovative solution by developing an intelligent computational system for conserving and monitoring European CH. Through advanced and non-invasive technologies, such as enriched three-dimensional models (e3D), ChemiNova integrates spatial, spectral, and temporal data, while engaging local communities in conservation and awareness-raising practices. ChemiNova aims to create an advanced informatics system that surpasses existing technologies to improve CH conservation, analysis, and monitoring. Using various types of data, the project focuses on structural and chemical damage to cultural assets, with a particular focus on two major man-made threats: climate change and armed conflict, with an emphasis on the Ukrainian case thanks to the incorporation of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Santa Sophia in Kyiv as partners in the ChemiNova consortium.

Dahmouni, M. A., Blondeau, A., Yang-Song, F., Rossé, M., & Mansouri, A. (2025). A drone-based reflectance transformation imaging system for capturing surface appearance in inaccessible areas of cultural heritage buildings [Paper presentation]. In 47th European Conference on Visual Perception (ECVP). Mainz, Germany. (Not yet published).

Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) has proven to be a powerful technique for enhancing the visual analysis of surface features in cultural heritage, archaeology, and material studies. However, conventional RTI systems—whether based on domes, movable light rigs, or manual acquisitions—are inherently limited to planar or moderately curved surfaces within easily accessible zones, typically at ground level. These spatial constraints restrict RTI deployment in many relevant cases, especially those involving architectural elements, ceilings, vaults, or large-scale immovable objects located at heights or in confined spaces. To address these limitations, this article evaluates an RTI system that uses a drone as a mobile light source carrier. This airborne setup aims to extend RTI capabilities to areas previously unreachable by decoupling light positioning from static ground arrangements. The article describes our implementation of H-RTI with a drone for real data acquisition and steps toward its automation. It highlights the scientific and technical importance and challenges.

Cano, C., Palma, B., Villuendas, E., Targa, L., Solbes, Á., Casas, S., Alba, E., & Portalés, C. (2025). Nuevas herramientas para la inspección y documentación del patrimonio cultural en riesgo [Paper presentation]. In VII Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas: «Ad cognoscendum, agendum vel operandum». Compromiso cívico y social de las Humanidades Digitales. Valencia, Spain. (Under review).

This paper presents the ChemiNova project, a European initiative funded under the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at developing advanced technologies for the preventive conservation of cultural heritage at risk. The project brings together an interdisciplinary consortium of twelve institutions from eight countries, combining expertise in art history, chemistry, computer science, architecture and photogrammetry. Its primary objective is to implement non-invasive tools for the inspection, monitoring and documentation of cultural assets, integrating technologies such as Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality and Artificial Intelligence. The methodology involves the acquisition of analytical, spectral and spatial data to diagnose structural and chemical damage, as well as to predict future risks. Furthermore, the project envisages the creation of digital models for virtual restoration and early-warning systems based on environmental data. Through pilot studies conducted in Valencia, Kiev, Palermo and Vienna, ChemiNova advocates an innovative approach that shifts from reactive strategies to predictive and preventive models, ensuring the safeguarding of heritage against global threats such as climate change and armed conflict.

Cano Sola, C., Solbes García, Á., Alba Pagán, E., León Muñoz, A., & Villuendas Ferri, E. (2025). Uso de técnicas avanzadas de imagen en la documentación de obras afectadas por la DANA: un caso de estudio en el proyecto ChemiNova [Paper presentation]. In VII Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas. Valencia, Spain. (Under review).

This paper examines the impact of the DANA storm that struck Valencia in October 2024 on cultural heritage and the application of imaging technologies for its rescue and conservation. The ChemiNova project led the intervention, employing techniques such as digital photography, infrared reflectography, hyperspectral imaging and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to document damage and plan restoration strategies. These tools enabled the identification of surface alterations, micro-cracks, oxidation and the presence of microorganisms in affected works. In addition, 3D models were developed to integrate multimodal data and facilitate virtual reconstruction. The work adheres to European standards (CEN/TC 346) and seeks to establish replicable protocols for climate emergency contexts. Digitalisation not only preserves material information but also ensures the continuity of cultural value when physical restoration is unfeasible. The project demonstrates how the combination of analytical techniques and digital modelling can transform heritage management, providing rapid and effective solutions in the face of natural disasters.

Targa, L. (2025). Inteligencia artificial y visión por computador para la conservación predictiva del patrimonio en riesgo [Paper presentation]. In VII Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas: «Ad cognoscendum, agendum vel operandum». Compromiso cívico y social de las Humanidades Digitales. (Under review).

This study explores the use of Artificial Intelligence and computer vision in heritage conservation, proposing a model structured around three core pillars: automated diagnosis, non-invasive digital restoration, and risk prediction. The approach is applied to four pilot studies across Europe (Valencia, Kiev, Palermo and Vienna), encompassing a diverse range of materials such as stone, wood, wax and paper. The techniques employed include RGB imaging, hyperspectral imaging and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), all integrated into a multimodal database for distributed monitoring. The system enables the detection of surface alterations, the simulation of restoration processes and the anticipation of damage through predictive algorithms. Furthermore, the creation of early-warning systems is envisaged, combining historical and environmental data to prevent deterioration. This paradigm represents a shift from reactive interventions towards preventive strategies, reducing reliance on invasive physical processes and promoting digital preservation. The proposal underscores the transformative potential of AI in heritage management, integrating data science and digital humanities within a collaborative and sustainable framework.

Nieto, A., Solbes, Á., & Cano, C. (2025). Tecnología y preservación del patrimonio cultural en contextos de emergencia: Herramientas y desafíos contemporáneos, el caso de la Dana en Valencia [Paper presentation]. In VII Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas. (Under review).

This paper addresses the role of technology in safeguarding cultural heritage during climate-related emergencies, taking as a case study the floods caused by the DANA storm in Valencia (2024). Supported by the European ChemiNova project, particular emphasis was placed on the use of digital photography and other conservation techniques to create systematic records as part of the intervention strategy. The work highlights the deployment of 3D scanning and collaborative platforms to document affected assets, including family heritage often overlooked by institutional frameworks. The methodology focused on generating structured records through accessible data management systems, enabling team coordination and the digitisation of images to preserve content when original supports were compromised. The study underscores the importance of agile protocols and portable tools in critical scenarios, as well as the need to integrate these practices into preventive management plans. Digitalisation is presented not merely as a technical resource but as a cultural strategy to ensure the continuity of collective memory in the face of natural disasters.

Villuendas, E. (2025). Tecnologías avanzadas para la conservación del patrimonio cultural: ChemiNova y HBIM como nuevos Sistemas de Gestión de Contenido para bienes culturales [Paper presentation]. In VII Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de Humanidades Digitales Hispánicas: «Ad cognoscendum, agendum vel operandum». Compromiso cívico y social de las Humanidades Digitales. (Under review).

This paper examines the convergence between ChemiNova and the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modelling) methodology as integrated systems for documentary management in preventive conservation. It reviews the historical evolution of heritage inventories and catalogues, highlighting the transformative impact of ICT on the documentation and digitalisation of cultural assets. The study proposes a practical framework that combines HBIM and ChemiNova to optimise data management, structural monitoring and intervention planning. Furthermore, it emphasises the role of the art historian as an active agent in the application of digital technologies, leading interdisciplinary processes that merge theoretical analysis with empirical observation. The methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews and case studies, with the aim of consolidating a replicable model for future projects. This integration fosters the creation of digital twins, technical simulations and collaborative systems that enhance accessibility and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage in both physical and virtual environments.

Jigyasu, R., Gabay, N., Rottensteiner, F., Heidarianbaei, M., Bonazza, A., & Sardella, A. (2026). ChemiAI: Integrating AI into Cultural Heritage Monitoring [Paper presentation]. In Ctrl+S Culture: AI & Heritage in a Digital World. ICCROM. (Not yet published).

ChemiNova is a research and innovation project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme. It brings together an interdisciplinary consortium to develop a suite of digital tools that employ novel technologies for on-site and remote collaborative monitoring of structural and chemical damage in cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic hazards, including armed conflict.ChemiAI is the tool within the ChemiNova suite that applies artificial intelligence to automatically detect damages using machine algorithms. It is integrated with other ChemiNova tools that are designed to support the damage assessment process, offering an additional layer of information by identifying potential damage areas in 3D models of movable and immovable heritage assets. These models, potentially created by combining data from different sensors, support users to detect material deterioration and identify potential structural and chemical damages. They can be navigated and manipulated within the interactive ChemiNova tools, which, through the use of technologies such as AR, VR, and MR, are further enriched with heritage expert-provided data, enabling collaborative condition assessments.While the development of ChemiAI has created opportunities for valuable exchange between IT developers and cultural heritage specialists, it has also raised a number of challenges worth discussing. How can we produce consistent and relevant data for AI training? How can we meaningfully integrate heritage professionals into technically complex development processes that require specific knowledge and digital skills? And how can we address the diversity and complexity of reference heritage assets? Rather than offering definitive answers, our experience with ChemiAI also raises a set of broader questions that go beyond technical development challenges: How can AI be applied to make monitoring faster, easier, more accurate, and more effective? What does it mean to responsibly integrate AI into cultural heritage monitoring, and for what purpose? By addressing these questions, we believe that valuable lessons can be drawn from the process, paving the way for establishing future best practices for the integration of AI into cultural heritage monitoring.

Solbes, Á., Cano, C., Villuendas, E., Palla, F., Megna, B., Vitella, M., & di Paola, F. (2025). Safeguarding European cultural heritage: Palermo as a pilot scenario in the ChemiNova project [Paper presentation]. In International Congress: Italy and Spain: Heritage Legacy of the Mediterranean, Valencia, Spain. (Under review).

ChemiNova project addresses the urgent need for preventive conservation and intelligent monitoring of European cultural heritage threatened by climate change and human-induced risks. Coordinated by the University of Valencia, this interdisciplinary initiative brings together leading institutions and cutting-edge technologies—LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, X-ray fluorescence, infrared thermography, and Reflectance Transformation Imaging—combined with enriched 3D modeling and AI-driven analysis. ChemiNova pursues four core objectives: (1) develop innovative and cost-effective methods for remote and on-site monitoring; (2) advance structural and chemical damage analysis; (3) integrate historical intervention data for temporal comparisons; and (4) engage professionals and citizens through open science and participatory approaches. Palermo serves as one of four pilot sites, focusing on anatomical wax models and documentary archives, applying advanced digitization and physico-chemical analysis to ensure long-term preservation. This modular, collaborative framework aims to deliver accessible tools that strengthen decision-making and resilience for European cultural heritage.

Solbes, Á. (in press). Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS) for Cultural Heritage documentation. In M. Gaitán & A. León (Eds.), Cultural Heritage at a Crossroads: Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation.

Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS) has become one of the most versatile, non-invasive analytical techniques in cultural heritage, transforming how researchers, conservators, and art historians research, preserve, and understand artworks and archaeological objects. RIS collects spectral and spatial information from artworks without the need for physical sampling, thus preserving the integrity of fragile and valuable objects. Unlike traditional point-based techniques, it can identify and map pigments, binders, and restoration materials across entire surfaces, including complex or layered artworks. Can be used to visualize underdrawings, pentimenti, earlier restorations and subsurface features beneath visible layers, providing invaluable insights into artists’ techniques. Modern RIS systems are portable, enabling on-site analysis of large or immovable sensitive cultural heritage. By combining spectral data with imaging, RIS produces false-colour and abundance maps that reveal features and material distributions that would otherwise be invisible, thereby aiding both scientific analysis and general public interpretation. The following document provides a synthesis of recent scientific literature on RIS, offering a brief overview of its history, technological development, practical applications and limitations. At last, within the framework of FORTHEM’s Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) and the European research project ChemiNova (https://cheminova.eu/), reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) was used alongside other non-invasive analysis techniques, such as multiband imaging (MBI) and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), to study cultural artefacts at different scales during an international, multidisciplinary workshop event.

Gallello, G. (in press). Workshop on portable X-Ray Fluorescence for Cultural Heritage: A multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity approach. In M. Gaitán & A. León (Eds.), Cultural Heritage at a Crossroads: Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation.

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies constitute an essential dimension in education within the Social Sciences and Humanities. If by multidisciplinary we understand a set of sciences without an exchange of knowledge among them, interdisciplinary can be defined as the relationship between disciplines. Especially in fields such as cultural heritage and archaeology, interdisciplinary studies can be interpreted as the solution to broad and complex problems that require methodological and analytical approaches drawn from various disciplines (Díaz-Andreu & Coltofean, 2020; Díaz-Andreu & Portillo, 2021). Among these, analytical tools and data management and analysis emerge as key competencies for addressing research problems from an empirical perspective, supported by quantifiable data that allow for the formulation and testing of hypotheses. In the last decade, the possibilities of working with tools originating from the basic sciences have increased consistently, and this has highlighted a widespread lack of such skills among students in humanities degrees. This often leads to insecurity or even rejection, especially when faced with tools that are not perceived as belonging to their field of study (Chandramohan & Fallows, 2008). When students are invited to apply methodologies that differ from those traditionally associated with the Humanities, a teaching and learning environment of “discomfort” is created. Various studies focused on multidisciplinary contexts agree that initial resistance may arise, particularly when students lack prior knowledge of methodologies from other fields of study (Smith & Parack, 2018; Spelt, 2017). Consequently, it is essential to incorporate teaching methodologies that help the participants to the workshop becoming confident approaching multidisciplinarity, thus avoiding limitations in more advanced educational stages such as master’s and doctoral programs.

Mansouri, A. (in press). Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) for Cultural Heritage: Principles, data processing, and applications. In M. Gaitán & A. León (Eds.), Cultural Heritage at a Crossroads: Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation.

Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) is a computational photographic technique increasingly used for documenting the surface appearance of cultural heritage artifacts. By capturing multiple images under different lighting conditions, RTI allows for interactive visualization of fine surface details and supports both qualitative and quantitative analyses. This paper provides a concise overview of RTI principles, data processing methods, and recent applications developed within the Cheminova project. It describes the acquisition modes and pre-processing steps necessary for accurate reflectance modeling, including illumination correction and image stitching. The paper also introduces reflectance reconstruction methods (PTM, HSH, DMD, and neural RTI) and advanced analysis tools such as saliency and distance maps for surface evaluation. Two case studies—one involving paintings from Valencia and another featuring anatomical wax models from Palermo—demonstrate RTI’s practical relevance to conservation. The discussion highlights current trends in automation, multimodal integration, and standardization, affirming RTI’s role as a key imaging method for heritage documentation and analysis.

Cano Sola, C. (in press). Imaging techniques and strategies for conservation of cultural heritage. In M. Gaitán & A. León (Eds.), Cultural Heritage at a Crossroads: Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation.

The workshop entitled “Imaging Techniques and Strategies for Conservation of Cultural Heritage” is an integral component of the Blended Intensive Programme, which is itself entitled “Challenges in Cultural Heritage: Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation” hosted by Universitat de València. The seminar signified the begining of the second day of the programme, which focused on innovative technologies and tools for the conservation of cultural heritage. In order to explore the landscape of cultural heritage preservation in the digital age the center is placed on the process of documenting and studying cultural heritage. This course is undertaken according to a specific methodology which begins with a visual examination of the work and continues with non-invasive scientific analysis. This non-invasive procedure starts with imaging techniques, followed by reflectance spectroscopy. The significance of initiating studies with a non-invasive procedure is predicated on the capacity to acquire information about the artwork without inducing alterations or reliance on sampling. The Institute of Robotics and Information and Communication Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Art History, is overseeing a European project within the Horizon Europe framework, entitled ChemiNova. The primary objective of this project is the creation of new technological tools to enhance on-site and remote monitoring, analysis and conservation of European cultural heritage, which is under threat from climate change and armed conflicts. The project employs non-invasive image techniques and spectroscopies for the analysis of cultural assets, including multiband imaging (MBI), hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The following report will address imaging techniques, with a particular focus on multiband photography, in theoretical terms. This will be followed by a practical case study component of ChemiNova’s project, which was conducted on the day of the programme. Multiband technical photography is a widely utilised technique within the domain of cultural heritage examination and analysis methodologies. This relatively low-cost technique is portable, allowing researchers to conduct fieldwork and thus enabling its use in workshops such as the one previously mentioned. Within the multiband image, different technical images are produced that reveal information that is not visible to the naked eye about the artwork and help us to define its state of conservation.

Palla, F. (2025, September 29). ChemiNova: Nuove tecnologie per il monitoraggio collaborativo arricchito in loco e a distanza per rilevare danni strutturali e chimici nei beni culturali [Conference presentation]. FARO Convention 2025: Patrimonio e Architettura: Finestre sul passato, porte sul futuro, Palermo, Italy. (Not yet published).

The ChemiNova project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme (2023–2027), aims to establish a standardised system for acquiring quantitative data on the degradation of cultural heritage. This initiative develops an intelligent computational system that enhances existing technologies to improve monitoring strategies for European monuments. Specifically, the project introduces “enriched collaborative monitoring,” an approach involving multiple teams using advanced tools to collect and interpret data through real-time feedback and integrated perspectives. This methodology is designed to identify structural and chemical damage in constituent materials, particularly those caused by anthropogenic threats: climate change and armed conflict. By utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChemiNova offers innovative, cost-effective solutions for both remote and in situ monitoring. The system’s efficacy is being validated across four pilot sites: the University of Valencia (Spain), the University of Palermo (Italy), Schönbrunn Palace (Austria), and Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv (Ukraine). These tests allow researchers, historians, and restorers to define specific conservation challenges and material analysis needs.

Scientific papers

Targa, L., Cano, C., Solbes, Á., Casas, S., Alba, E., & Portalés, C. (2025). Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage. Applied Sciences, 15(15), 8260. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158260

Assessing the condition of artworks is a critical step in cultural heritage conservation that traditionally involves manual damage mapping, which is time-consuming and reliant on expert input. This study, conducted within the ChemiNova project, explores the automation of edge detection using both classical image processing techniques (Canny, Sobel, and Laplacian) and a deep learning model (DexiNed). The methodology integrates interdisciplinary collaboration between conservation professionals and computer scientists, applying these algorithms to artworks affected by environmental damage, including flooding. Preprocessing and post-processing techniques were used to enhance detection accuracy and reduce noise. The results show that while traditional methods often yield higher precision and recall scores, they are also sensitive to texture and contrast variations. These findings suggest that automated edge detection can support conservation efforts by streamlining condition assessments and improving documentation.

León, A., Villuendas, E., Solbes, Á., Cano, C., Portalés, C., & Alba, E. (2025). ChemiSummer25: A Educational Innovation for Cultural Heritage Conservation through STEAM+H Methodology. (Under review).

The growing vulnerability of cultural heritage (CH) to climate change and human-induced threats necessitates innovative educational strategies. This study examines ChemiNova Summer School 2025 (ChemiSummer25) as a case study of educational innovation for CH conservation. Developed under the Horizon Europe ChemiNova project, ChemiSumme25 employs the STEAM+H methodology that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, humanities, and gender perspectives. The program utilised hybrid learning and active pedagogies, such as challenge-, case-, and problem-based learning, enhanced by advanced technologies, such as AR, VR, RTI, and XRF. Forty-six participants from 17 countries participated in both online and in-person sessions using tools such as ChemiSensing and ChemiInspection in real-world conservation scenarios. Mixed-methods evaluation results showed high satisfaction, particularly with the interdisciplinary approach, gender inclusion, and hands-on training. Participants emphasised the importance of acquiring technical and transversal skills, along with a deeper understanding of the CH’s social and environmental challenges. The study concluded that ChemiSummer25 effectively promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and technological literacy, equipping future professionals for sustainable CH conservation. It also highlights the significance of hybrid, interdisciplinary, and inclusive models in higher education for tackling complex global issues. Recommendations include expanding practical components and evaluating long-term learning outcomes to improve future editions.