How can historic buildings, works of art, and archaeological sites be better protected from creeping damage, environmental pollution, or the consequences of climate change? This is precisely the question addressed by the large-scale European research project ARTEMIS, in which Hof University of Applied Sciences is also actively involved. At the project’s annual meeting in Brussels in mid-December 2025, key progress was presented and dialogue with European institutions and experts was intensified.
ARTEMIS is a major project funded by the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe program, in which partners from science, monument preservation, and technology from twelve countries are working together. The aim is to further develop digital technologies in such a way that they support the practical preservation of cultural assets. The focus is on the creation of so-called digital twins of cultural heritage objects.
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 brings together a wide variety of information, such as three-dimensional images, environmental measurement data, and information on the condition of the material. This creates a comprehensive digital image that realistically reflects the current state of a cultural asset.
What does “reactive” digital twin mean?
ARTEMIS goes beyond classic digital models and develops so-called Reactive Heritage Digital Twins. “Reactive” means that the system does not remain static, but can respond to changes. Sensors continuously provide new data, for example on temperature or humidity. Software evaluates this information using defined rules and artificial intelligence and identifies risks at an early stage before visible damage occurs. This provides monument conservators with a sound basis for decision-making, enabling them to plan targeted and timely conservation measures.
Meeting in Brussels: Coordination and outreach
All project partners came together at the ARTEMIS Annual Meeting in Brussels from December 15 to 17, 2025. Prof. Dr. Claus Atzenbeck and Saeid Khoobdel from the Visual Analytics Group at the iisys Institute represented Hof University of Applied Sciences. The first two days were devoted to internal coordination. “In joint meetings and working groups, the progress made so far in the project was summarized, technical interfaces were specified, 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 focus was also placed on the question of how the project results can be made effective beyond the circle of researchers. In a public networking event, the ARTEMIS consortium exchanged ideas with representatives of European institutions, specialist authorities, and related initiatives in the field of digital cultural heritage. Among other things, they discussed how ARTEMIS fits into existing EU strategies and what form cooperation could take to ensure that new digital tools are used in the long term. It became clear that this is not just a matter of basic research, but also of concrete, usable infrastructure, digital services, and training opportunities.
Contribution of Hof University of Applied Sciences
Hof University of Applied Sciences contributes its special expertise in the analysis and comprehensible processing of complex data to the project.
Especially with highly developed digital models, it is crucial that the results are not only technically correct, but also remain comprehensible to users in practice. The work from Hof helps to ensure that digital twins of cultural assets do not become abstract IT systems, but rather tools suitable for everyday use in monument preservation and restoration.”
Prof. Dr. Claus Atzenbeck
Outlook: International Summer School and consortium meeting in Hof
Further meetings are planned at Hof University of Applied Sciences itself, including the ARTEMIS Summer School in June 2026 and the accompanying consortium meeting of all project partners. This international event is aimed at participants from across Europe and provides practical knowledge about digital and reactive twins for cultural heritage. In addition to technical content, the focus is on practical exercises, interdisciplinary exchange, and European networking. This will make Hof University of Applied Sciences an important meeting place for digital innovations in monument preservation. The ARTEMIS project shows how modern digital technologies can contribute to the sustainable preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage. By combining research, practical application, and international exchange, the project is making an important contribution to the future of monument preservation—and Hof University of Applied Sciences is an active and visible part of this European network.
