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Unified Nondestructive Evaluation of Historical Artifacts

Project description

Techniques for enhanced cultural heritage preservation

Cultural heritage preservation faces significant challenges, limiting the ability to fully understand the condition and structure of artworks. Digitalisation offers powerful tools to improve diagnostics in the sector. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the UNVEIL project aims to advance cultural heritage preservation through innovative non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as terahertz imaging and ultrasonics. By integrating multimodal data with augmented reality and digital twins, the project will provide a more comprehensive picture of artworks. Doctoral candidates will follow a programme combining research with hands-on experience, while collaboration among conservation professionals will be strengthened. The project also aims to engage the public through interactive exhibits and support the sustainable management of cultural heritage.

Objective

UNVEIL aims to transform the diagnostics and preservation of cultural heritage by developing and applying innovative NonDestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques and advanced digital tools for diagnostics, conservation, and public engagement. The project addresses key challenges in cultural heritage preservation by focusing on two main objectives: a) enhancing surface and subsurface analysis of multilayered and 3D artworks through advanced NDE techniques, such as terahertz imaging, thermography, and ultrasonics; and b) integrating and visualising multimodal NDE data using data fusion, augmented reality, and digital twins to provide a holistic understanding of artworks’ condition and structure.

To achieve these goals, UNVEIL brings together 21 partners from academia, industry, and cultural institutions in a highly interdisciplinary consortium. Research will be carried out by 12 Doctoral Candidates within a structured training programme combining cutting-edge research, hands-on experience, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Specific innovations include super-resolution terahertz imaging and advanced ultrasonic and thermographic methods tailored for cultural heritage. The development of digital twins and augmented-reality tools will enhance collaboration among conservation professionals and engage the public through interactive exhibits.

UNVEIL aligns with the Horizon Europe Work Programme by addressing cultural heritage preservation challenges and promoting digital transformation in the cultural sector. It contributes to European innovation by fostering collaboration between engineering and humanities, advancing NDE methods, and training a new generation of researchers equipped to bridge these fields. By improving conservation practices, enriching public accessibility, and supporting sustainable cultural heritage management, UNVEIL has significant scientific, societal, and economic relevance.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

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Coordinator

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
Net EU contribution
€ 944 007,48
Address
RUE MICHEL ANGE 3
75794 Paris
France
Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (9)

Partners (11)