Conference Workshops

Four exciting 2-hr workshops were offered in collaboration with our sponsors:

  1. 8 June, 2-4pm: CultArm3D- Autonomous and Consistent 3D Digitization for Scientific and Heritage Applications, by Verus Digital
  2. 8 June, 2-4 pm: Advanced Mass Spectrometry for Heritage Science: Unlocking Ancient Lives: Isotopes in Archaeology, by Thermo Fisher Scientific
  3. 9 June, 5:30-7:30pm: Hyperspectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage, by Clyde HSI
  4. 9 June, 5:30-7:30pm: Bruker spectroscopy workshop – FTIR, Raman and XRF spectroscopy with hands-on demonstrations, by Optik Instruments and Bruker Optics, part of Bruker Corporation, and Aparatura, official representative of Bruker Nano.

Workshop 1: CultArm3D – Autonomous and Consistent 3D Digitization for Scientific and Heritage Applications

This workshop presented autonomous, high-fidelity 3D digitization using CultArm3D DT10, developed for scientific and heritage applications. We demonstrated how autonomous image-based 3D reconstruction enables accurate and repeatable results through a live digitization workflow – from automated capture to validated 3D output.
The session highlighted the difference between basic 3D scanning and scientific 3D digitization, with a focus on measurement accuracy, colour fidelity, and repeatability. The workshop also addressed how standardized workflows support long-term documentation as well as reliable, scalable 3D digitization.

  • The speakers
  • Learning outcomes
    • Participants got to understand the principles of consistent, calibrated 3D digitization and how it differs from conventional scanning approaches. The workshop introduces quantitative quality metrics to assess image quality, capture completeness, and geometric accuracy. Participants gained a clear understanding of how to implement reliable, standardized, and scalable 3D digitization workflows in institutional and research environments.
  • When
    • 8 June, 2-4 pm

Workshop 2: Advanced Mass Spectrometry for Heritage Science – Unlocking Ancient Lives: Isotopes in Archaeology

This workshop offered a focused introduction to isotope analysis in archaeology, combining essential theoretical concepts with practical interpretation. Participants explored how isotopes preserved in archaeological materials provide insights into past human and animal lifeways, including diet, mobility, and interactions with the environment.

  • The speaker
  • Learning outcomes
    • The first part introduced stable isotopes and their measurement using Gas Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (G-IRMS). Key elements—carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulphur—were discussed in relation to their ecological and biological significance. Applications included dietary reconstruction, mobility studies, and the investigation of cultural practices such as animal management.
    • The second part focused on radiogenic isotopes, highlighting their role as tracers of geological origin and environmental variability. Using Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), these isotope systems (e.g. strontium and lead) enable the study of human and animal mobility, landscape use, and material provenance. Throughout the workshop, emphasis was placed on interpreting isotopic data, understanding methodological limitations, and connecting analytical results to broader archaeological questions. By integrating theory, instrumentation, and case studies, participants gained a solid conceptual framework and practical tools for applying isotopic approaches in archaeological research.Description to come soon.
  • When
    • 8 June, 2-4 pm

Workshop 3: Hyperspectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage

This workshop offered a focused introduction to hyperspectral imaging as applied to cultural heritage, combining essential theoretical grounding with hands-on experience. Participants explored the physical principles behind spectral imaging, including light–matter interaction, spectral reflectance, and the acquisition and calibration of hyperspectral data. The session also covered key analytical approaches such as spectral feature extraction, material identification, and mapping techniques used to reveal pigments, binders, and underlying features that are invisible to the naked eye.

  • The speakers
  • Learning outcomes
    • Attendees worked directly with four different spectral imaging systems, gaining insight into their setup, operation, and comparative capabilities. Guided demonstrations walked participants through the full workflow, from data acquisition to preprocessing and visualization, highlighting common challenges such as noise reduction, calibration consistency, and data interpretation. This hands-on component was designed to give participants confidence in selecting and using appropriate instrumentation for real-world heritage applications. The workshop was enriched by two guest speakers bringing complementary perspectives from heritage science and conservation practice. Their contributions connected advanced imaging methodologies with concrete case studies, illustrating how hyperspectral imaging supports decision-making in conservation, authentication, and research. By integrating theory, instrumentation, and applied expertise, the workshop aimed to provide participants with both a solid conceptual framework and practical skills directly transferable to their professional contexts.
  • When
    • 9 June, 5:30-7:30pm

Workshop 4: Bruker spectroscopy workshop – FTIR, Raman and XRF spectroscopy with hands-on demonstrations

Optik Instruments with Bruker Optics and Aparatura with Bruker Nano organized a specialized workshop dedicated to researchers working in the field of cultural heritage studies. The workshop demonstrated the practical value and application potential of vibrational spectroscopy in cultural heritage research, conservation, and material characterization.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to three key analytical instruments used in this field: the Bruker ALPHA II FTIR spectrometer, equipped with ATR and reflection modules, and the Bruker BRAVO handheld Raman spectrometer. The second part of the workshop focused on XRF spectroscopy, featuring the ELIO and TRACER 5 XRF instruments.

  • The speakers
  • Learning outcomes
    • The first part of the workshop was conducted through practical examples relevant to cultural heritage research, allowing participants to gain direct insight into analytical workflows, sample handling, and interpretation of spectral data. Attendees learned the fundamentals of both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, with hands-on demonstrations using the ALPHA II and BRAVO instruments.
    • In addition, the session showcased Bruker’s latest software solutions, highlighting new features that enhance data acquisition, spectral evaluation, and material identification. This workshop was designed to provide cultural heritage researchers with practical knowledge, demonstrate real-world applications, and illustrate how modern vibrational spectroscopy supports decision-making in conservation science, archaeology, art analysis, and related disciplines.
    • Elemental analysis using X-ray spectroscopy was presented using two different devices. The Bruker TRACER 5 handheld XRF device was used to perform point measurements to obtain information about the elemental composition of a surface. The Bruker ELIO non-contact micro-XRF scanning spectrometer was used to provide mapping capabilities for simultaneously obtaining distributions of multiple elements in areas up to 100 mm x 100 mm. The latest Bruker software solutions were also presented, with an emphasis on new features that improve data acquisition, spectral evaluation and material identification.
    • The workshop was designed to provide cultural heritage researchers with practical knowledge, demonstrate real-world applications, and illustrate how modern X-ray spectroscopy can support research in conservation science, archaeology, art analysis, and related disciplines.
  • When
    • 9 June, 5:30-7:30pm