Italia-Croatia

On Friday, 27 February, the ARCHAEODIGIT project will take part in tourismA – International Exhibition of Archaeology and Cultural Tourism, with a dedicated panel titled “The Evolving Archaeologist: Training and New Challenges in Heritage Management.”

The event will take place from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Florence (Sala Onice) and will also be accessible online.

The panel is promoted within the framework of the ARCHAEODIGIT – ARCHAEOlogical DIGITal paths for an inclusive and sustainable tourism project and aims to explore how the role of the archaeologist is changing in response to new social, professional, and technological challenges. In particular, the discussion will focus on evolving training pathways, public archaeology, digital innovation, and the growing need for interdisciplinary skills in heritage management and valorisation.

The session will be moderated by Anna Cingoli, Project Manager at Forum AIC and Communication Partner of the ARCHAEODIGIT project.

Institutional Opening and Project Framework

The event will open with institutional greetings, featuring:

• Katuscia Cassetta, Councillor for Culture, Municipality of Macerata (Lead Partner of ARCHAEODIGIT), and

• Miroslav Gogala, Curator at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments (Associated Partner).

This will be followed by a keynote intervention by Roberto Perna (University of Macerata), who will introduce the ARCHAEODIGIT project, presenting new models for archaeological heritage management and highlighting emerging training needs in the sector.

Session I – Academic Training and the International Context

The first session will offer a comparative perspective on academic training and public archaeology in Italy and Croatia, addressing how educational pathways are adapting to contemporary challenges. Contributions include:

• Giuliano Volpe (University of Bari), on archaeologist training in the context of public archaeology;

• Grazia Semeraro (University of Salento), on the training of archaeologists in Italy;

• Mauro Dujmović (University of Pula), on holistic heritage valorisation and the new skills required for future professionals.

Session II – The Profession, Archaeological Parks, and Field Management

The second session will focus on the professional dimension of archaeology and the operational challenges faced in the field, particularly within Archaeological Parks and heritage institutions. Speakers include:

• Enrico Rinaldi (DRM Molise – Sepino Archaeological Park), on the role of Archaeological Parks and perspectives of the Italian Ministry of Culture;

• Marcella Giorgio (ANA – National Association of Archaeologists), on training needs and challenges of an increasingly multifaceted profession;

• Cinzia Rampazzo (CIA – Italian Confederation of Archaeologists), on professional archaeology between planning, management, and valorisation.

Towards New Skills and Inclusive Heritage Management

The panel will conclude with a collective reflection on how training, professional practice, and institutional frameworks must evolve to support inclusive, sustainable, and digitally enhanced heritage management.

By bringing together academic institutions, public bodies, professional associations, and international partners, this event contributes to ARCHAEODIGIT’s broader objective of strengthening capacities and fostering innovative approaches to cultural heritage and tourism across its test areas.

Don’t miss the chance to join the conversation and be part of the dialogue shaping tomorrow’s heritage professionals.