Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Digital Humanities

How is Artificial Intelligence transforming archaeological research and the study of cultural heritage? On 2 and 3 December 2026, the workshop Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Digital Humanities will bring together researchers and specialists in Jaén to explore the growing role of AI and computational methods in understanding, analysing and interpreting the past.

 

The workshop is jointly coordinated by the 3D-4CH project and the University of Jaén (UJA), with academic and financial support from 3D-4CH and the University Institute for Research in Iberian Archaeology (IUIAI), and institutional support from the University of Jaén.

 

Integrated into the University of Jaén’s programme of specialised training courses, the workshop offers participants the opportunity to obtain an official University of Jaén certificate and 1 ECTS credit, subject to the university’s requirements.

 

Connecting Artificial Intelligence and 3D technologies in cultural heritage

Building on the 3D focus of 3D-4CH, the workshop broadens the discussion to encompass the wider technological ecosystem shaping the digital transformation of cultural heritage. It explores how Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, spatial data analysis and other computational methods interact with 3D technologies and support different stages of the digital heritage lifecycle.

 

The programme brings together Spanish researchers applying these approaches to archaeological materials, LiDAR and spatial data, ancient texts, cultural objects and historical evidence. Their contributions demonstrate how AI can support the detection, identification, classification, analysis, interpretation and reconstruction of archaeological and heritage information, complementing 3D digitisation and opening up new possibilities for the generation, analysis and visualisation of digital cultural heritage.

 

Programme highlights

Across two days, the workshop will address a broad range of research topics and practical applications. You can read the full programme in English and Spanish.

 

Wednesday, 2 December – Analysis, Interpretation and Reconstruction of the Past

The first day opens with Juan Antonio Barceló Álvarez (Autonomous University of Barcelona) presenting new perspectives on AI and archaeological research. Further contributions explore the development of AI-based models, as well as the use of LiDAR data and citizen science to detect prehistoric burial mounds in Galicia.

 

Thursday, 3 December – Applications and Future Perspectives

The morning programme examines applications of computer vision and machine learning in archaeological research, including the recognition of use-wear traces on ceramics and the study of human mobility through flint. Other sessions focus on the recovery and reconstruction of fragmented ancient texts, the analysis of material culture, and the use of AI in virtual reconstruction based on historical evidence.

 

The afternoon turns to digital infrastructures and the future of computational archaeology. Topics include data and knowledge infrastructures for the humanities, the identification of AI-generated content, and the role of computational archaeology laboratories as hubs for innovation and research. A final round table will bring together workshop speakers to discuss methodologies, challenges and future perspectives in Spanish computational archaeology.

 

Who should attend?

The workshop is primarily aimed at students, graduates and early-stage researchers in cultural heritage-related disciplines, including Archaeology, History, Art History, Computer Science and Engineering, Conservation and Restoration, Architecture and Tourism.

 

It is also open to PhD students and professionals working in archaeology, cultural heritage, museums, archives, libraries, research centres and public administrations, as well as other applicants who meet the University of Jaén’s admission requirements.

 

Registration and further information

The workshop contributes to the Research & Development and capacity-building objectives of 3D-4CH by providing a space for researchers, students and heritage professionals to exchange emerging methodologies, practical applications and good practices. It also strengthens the connections between 3D technologies, Artificial Intelligence and computational approaches to cultural heritage.

 

For the full course information, programme details and registration, visit the University of Jaén course page.

 

We look forward to welcoming researchers, students and cultural heritage professionals in Jaén!

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Location: University of Jaén, Spain