A Milestone for the Future of 3D Cultural Heritage: 3D-4CH 

The 3D-4CH project officially kicked off with a highly successful three-day meeting in Trento, hosted by the consortium partner Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK). From 18–20 February 2025, leading experts, cultural heritage professionals, and key stakeholders from across Europe came together to lay the foundation for a new era of 3D cultural heritage digitization, AI-driven preservation, and immersive technologies.

The event was more than just a formal launch — it was an opportunity to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and strengthen collaboration within the consortium. Meeting in person proved invaluable, fostering productive discussions and reinforcing the importance of face-to-face interactions in driving meaningful progress.

"Engaging with partners in person allowed us to build deeper connections, align our vision, and create a strong foundation for the work ahead. The energy and expertise in the room were truly inspiring." – (Marco Medici, Project Coordinator, University of Ferrara)

FBK’s outstanding hospitality created an inspiring setting for fruitful conversations, strategic planning, and knowledge-sharing. As the consortium moves forward, the momentum gained in Trento will shape the next steps of 3D-4CH, ensuring cultural institutions, researchers, and digital heritage professionals benefit from cutting-edge tools and resources.

Public Workshop & Live Stream: Shaping the Future of 3D Heritage

A key highlight of the kickoff event was the public workshop on 19 February, streamed live on YouTube. This session brought together leading voices in digital heritage, offering deep insights into the intersection of 3D digitization, AI, and European cultural strategies.

Keynote Presentations:

• Geert Verhoeven (Dept. of Prehistoric & Historical Archaeology, University of Vienna) – “Mind the Gap”

• Antonella Guidazzoli (Head of Visit Lab, HPC Supercomputing Division, CINECA) – “The Isabella d’Este Virtual Studiolo”

Roundtable Discussion: The Role of Competence Centres in the Cultural Heritage Community

The roundtable brought together renowned experts to discuss the role of competence centers in supporting innovation, sustainability, and best practices in 3D heritage digitization:

• Geert Verhoeven (University of Vienna)

• Antonella Guidazzoli (CINECA)

• Andreas Georgopoulos (NTUA & ICOMOS International Board Member)

• Harry Verwayen (EUROPEANA General Director)

• Lorena Aldana (Head of External Relations and Advocacy, Europeana)

• Xavier Rodier (CNRS, ECHOES project coordinator)

• Roberto Di Giulio (INCEPTION, 4CH Scientific Coordinator)

• Members of the 3D-4CH Advisory Board

The session generated exciting discussions, sparking new ideas on how to strengthen Europe's digital heritage ecosystem. The engagement from attendees—both in person and online—demonstrated the growing importance of 3D digitization in preserving and sharing cultural heritage.

3D-4CH: A Game-Changer for 3D Cultural Heritage

Funded by the European Union, 3D-4CH is set to revolutionize how we digitize, preserve, and interact with cultural heritage. As an Online Competence Centre, the project will provide cultural professionals with state-of-the-art tools, training, and expertise in 3D scanning, AI-powered analysis, and XR applications.

Building on successful EU projects like 4CH - Competence Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage and 5Dculture, 3D-4CH will serve as a central hub for digital innovation in cultural heritage. A special focus on Ukrainian heritage ensures that vulnerable cultural treasures are protected, accessible, and celebrated for future generations.

"The kickoff event in Trento demonstrated the consortium’s dedication and shared vision. We are excited to push the boundaries of 3D digitization and make 3D-4CH a driving force in cultural heritage preservation." – (Fabio Remondino, Leader of Workpackage 3, FBK)

Impressions