The AURORA project, funded under the Horizon Europe framework, is pleased to announce the upcoming AURORA Training School on Digital Identity, Novel Chemical Markers, and Tracking Systems to Counteract Illicit Trafficking of Artworks. The training will take place from October 21–24, 2025, in Sarajevo, at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This four-day intensive program is specifically designed for Early-Stage Researchers—including postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and young postdoctoral scholars—from both within the AURORA consortium and external institutions. The school provides an interdisciplinary platform for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and professional development in the emerging fields of conservation science, green chemistry, digital tracking technologies, and provenance authentication.
The trafficking of cultural property represents one of the most pressing challenges facing the global heritage sector today. In response, the AURORA Training School focuses on the intersection of scientific innovation and cultural heritage protection, introducing participants to new tools and methodologies that enhance transparency, traceability, and authenticity verification.
Key thematic areas include:
- Digital identity assignment for artworks and artifacts
- Application of green chemistry in conservation practices
- Chemical markers and nanomaterials for authentication
- Blockchain technology and secure databases for provenance tracking
- ICT-driven monitoring systems for circulation and movement control
Participants will explore these topics through a carefully structured curriculum that combines lectures, case studies, and hands-on technical workshops, ensuring a balance between theoretical understanding and applied practice.
The school brings together an exceptional lineup of experts from across Europe, representing academia, conservation laboratories, museums, and technology providers.
By addressing key aspects of heritage protection—from authentication technologies to legal and ethical frameworks—the AURORA Training School aims to foster a new generation of researchers equipped to address the evolving risks facing cultural institutions worldwide.
Importantly, the training also emphasizes sustainability and green innovation, in line with AURORA’s commitment to environmentally responsible solutions. Participants will be introduced to low-impact materials, energy-efficient practices, and biodegradable chemical agents, underscoring the dual imperative of preserving both heritage and the planet.
Participation in the school is free of charge for selected candidates, and a competitive application process is in place. Interested researchers can apply via the online registration form.
REGISTER HERE
Full details about the final program are available at the School’s website
You can ALSO DOWNLOAD FLYER and Press Release.
Please note that participants need to cover and organise their own transportation and accommodation in Sarajevo.
The activities are the part of AURORA (Artwork Unique RecognitiOn and tRacking through chemicAl encoded data, miniaturized devices and blockchain alliance) project that is being funded by the European Union Horizon Europe program.
More about AURORA project
Follow AURORA LinkedIn
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”
