idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
How can historic buildings, artworks, and archaeological sites be better protected against gradual deterioration, environmental stress, or the impacts of climate change? This question lies at the heart of the large-scale European research project ARTEMIS, in which Hof University of Applied Sciences plays an active role. At the project’s annual meeting in mid-December 2025 in Brussels, key advances were presented and dialogue with European institutions and professional stakeholders was further intensified.
ARTEMIS is a major project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, bringing together partners from science, heritage conservation, and technology across twelve countries. Its aim is to further develop digital technologies that support the practical preservation of cultural heritage. A central focus is the creation of so-called digital twins of cultural heritage assets.
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real object, such as a historic building, a sculpture, or an archaeological site. This digital model integrates a wide range of information, including three-dimensional recordings, environmental sensor data, and details on material condition. The result is a comprehensive digital representation that realistically reflects the current state of a heritage asset.
What Does “Reactive” Digital Twin Mean?
ARTEMIS goes beyond conventional digital models by developing so-called Reactive Heritage Digital Twins. “Reactive” means that the system is not static but can respond dynamically to change. Sensors continuously supply new data, for example on temperature or humidity. Software analyses this information using predefined rules and artificial intelligence, enabling risks to be identified at an early stage—before visible damage occurs. Heritage professionals thus receive a sound basis for decision-making, allowing them to plan targeted and timely conservation measures.
Meeting in Brussels: Coordination and Outreach
At the ARTEMIS Annual Meeting, held from 15 to 17 December 2025 in Brussels, all project partners came together. Representing Hof University of Applied Sciences were Prof. Dr. Claus Atzenbeck and Saeid Khoobdel from the Visual Analytics Group at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys). The first two days focused on internal coordination.
“In joint sessions and working groups, the project’s progress to date was consolidated, technical interfaces were refined, and the roadmap for the next project phase was defined. The aim was to more closely integrate the various technical components such as data flows, digital services, and pilot applications,” reports Prof. Dr. Claus Atzenbeck.
A particular emphasis was also placed on how the project’s results can have an impact beyond the research community. In a public networking event, the ARTEMIS consortium exchanged views with representatives of European institutions, public authorities, and related initiatives in the field of digital cultural heritage. Discussions addressed how ARTEMIS aligns with existing EU strategies and how cooperation can ensure the long-term use of new digital tools. It became clear that the project is not only about fundamental research, but about deployable infrastructures, digital services, and training programmes.
Hof University’s Contribution
Hof University of Applied Sciences contributes its particular expertise in analysing complex data and presenting it in an accessible and user-friendly manner.
“Especially with highly sophisticated digital models, it is crucial that results are not only technically accurate but also comprehensible to practitioners. The work carried out in Hof helps ensure that digital twins of cultural heritage assets do not become abstract IT systems, but practical, everyday tools for conservation and restoration,” says Prof. Atzenbeck.
Outlook: International Summer School in Hof
Further ARTEMIS events are planned at Hof University of Applied Sciences itself, including the ARTEMIS Summer School in June 2026, alongside a consortium meeting involving all project partners. This international event is aimed at participants from across Europe and will provide hands-on knowledge about digital and reactive twins for cultural heritage. In addition to specialist content, practical exercises, interdisciplinary exchange, and European networking will be key components of the programme.
With these activities, Hof University of Applied Sciences will become an important meeting point for digital innovation in heritage conservation. The ARTEMIS project demonstrates how modern digital technologies can contribute to the sustainable preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage. By combining research, practical application, and international collaboration, the project makes a valuable contribution to the future of heritage conservation—and Hof University of Applied Sciences is an active and visible part of this European network.
Prof. Dr. Claus Atzenbeck
Merkmale dieser Pressemitteilung:
Journalisten, Lehrer/Schüler, Wirtschaftsvertreter, Wissenschaftler, jedermann
Bauwesen / Architektur, Geschichte / Archäologie, Informationstechnik
überregional
Forschungsprojekte, Kooperationen
Englisch
Sie können Suchbegriffe mit und, oder und / oder nicht verknüpfen, z. B. Philo nicht logie.
Verknüpfungen können Sie mit Klammern voneinander trennen, z. B. (Philo nicht logie) oder (Psycho und logie).
Zusammenhängende Worte werden als Wortgruppe gesucht, wenn Sie sie in Anführungsstriche setzen, z. B. „Bundesrepublik Deutschland“.
Die Erweiterte Suche können Sie auch nutzen, ohne Suchbegriffe einzugeben. Sie orientiert sich dann an den Kriterien, die Sie ausgewählt haben (z. B. nach dem Land oder dem Sachgebiet).
Haben Sie in einer Kategorie kein Kriterium ausgewählt, wird die gesamte Kategorie durchsucht (z.B. alle Sachgebiete oder alle Länder).
