The First Annual International KreativEU Conference, under the theme “Heritage, Science, and Technologies for Sustainable Preservation,” organized by Valahia University of Targoviste and the Knowledge & Creativity European University marks a significant milestone in the realm of cultural heritage preservation. This groundbreaking event is honored to be under the distinguished patronage of The National Commission of Romania for UNESCO, reflecting a commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation in the crucial field of heritage conservation. As we unite to explore the intersections of heritage, science, and technology, this conference aims to advance sustainable solutions that will safeguard our cultural legacy for future generations. The conference constitutes a pivotal element of our initiative in establishing the KreativEU UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Heritage Preservation, Science, and Communication for Sustainable Communities, headquartered at Valahia University in Targoviste. Simultaneously, the conference is held under the auspices of the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences / Conseil International de la Philosophie et des Sciences Humaines, intricately woven into the fabric of the official commemorative initiative marking the 75th anniversary of the illustrious organization.
Our enthusiasm and commitment to fostering collaborative efforts in this domain are evident in the comprehensive approach we have adopted. We extend a warm invitation to scholars, researchers, practitioners, and emerging academics to join us in this groundbreaking event, where we delve into the complex and evolving interplay between Heritage, Science, and Technologies to ensure the sustainable preservation of our shared cultural legacy.
Conference Information
Overview
Cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past; it is a living testament to the diverse cultures and histories that enrich our global tapestry. Yet, it faces numerous challenges in the contemporary world, from natural disasters and climate change to urbanization and the pressures of globalization. The First International KreativEU Conference recognizes that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
Our conference embraces a multidisciplinary perspective, acknowledging that the preservation of cultural patrimony cannot be accomplished through isolated efforts. It calls for the convergence of expertise from diverse fields, from archaeology and conservation to law, technology and new technologies, management, marketing, and social sciences. By doing so, we reflect the spirit of our consortium, which is firmly rooted in the belief that innovative and sustainable practices are essential for the effective safeguarding of our rich cultural heritage.
In this analytical context, our conference serves as a platform for:
Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge research and insights from scholars and practitioners worldwide. By fostering dialogue among experts, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ultimately advancing the field of cultural heritage preservation.
Problem-Solving: Identifying and addressing the critical challenges faced by cultural heritage in the 21st century. From legal frameworks to advanced conservation technologies, we aim to develop practical solutions that can be applied globally.
Inspiration and Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the exploration of new horizons. Our conference seeks to inspire fresh ideas and approaches that can reinvigorate the way we protect and celebrate our heritage.
Networking and Collaboration: Providing a forum for participants to establish valuable connections and collaborations. We believe that the power of collective action is essential in achieving sustainable preservation goals.
The choice of panels in our conference reflects the holistic approach we embrace, encompassing legal, technological, scientific, and practical dimensions of cultural heritage preservation. We invite you to submit your research papers, panel proposals, and workshop ideas to contribute to these vital discussions.
Together, we will work towards the shared goal of ensuring that future generations can continue to experience and learn from the richness of our cultural heritage.
Join us at the First International KreativEU Conference, where your expertise and insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of heritage preservation. Together, we can create a legacy of sustainable cultural heritage preservation that transcends borders and stands the test of time.
Call for Papers
We invite authors to submit original research papers, case studies, and proposals for panels or workshops within the specified themes. Submissions should be sent electronically no later than 1 March 2024.
Author Guidelines
Paper Submission: Papers should be between 6,000 to 8,000 words in length, including references, and adhere to the provided conference template.
Panel/Workshop Proposals: Proposals should include a title, a brief description (300 words), and the names and affiliations of all participants.
Start here to submit a paper to this conference.
Author guidelines for submitting the full text is available down here.
The Evaluation Form is available following this link: https://forms.office.com/e/vQfJ1bfLMc.
Topic Policies
Cultural Heritage: Legal Challenges and Management
Exploring the legal framework and regulatory challenges in preserving cultural heritage.
Strategies and best practices for effective heritage management.
Mapping, Interpretation and Marketization of Historical Sites
Novel research approaches for mapping and interpreting historical sites.
The economic implications of heritage marketization and sustainable tourism.
Natural Hazards and Cultural Heritage
Assessing the impact of natural disasters and climate change on cultural heritage.
Strategies for disaster preparedness and recovery in heritage preservation.
New Trends in Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Exploring emerging trends, innovations, and methodologies in cultural heritage conservation.
Case studies on successful implementation of new conservation techniques.
Technologies and Materials in Cultural Preservation
Showcasing the latest technological advancements and materials used in cultural preservation.
Their applications and benefits in preserving and restoring heritage artifacts.
Invasive and Non-Invasive Techniques Applied on Heritage
A deep dive into invasive and non-invasive techniques used for heritage analysis and restoration.
Ethical considerations and best practices when employing these techniques.
Organizing Commitee
Prof. Dr. Hab. Silviu Miloiu, Vice-Rector for Institutional Development and International Relations, Valahia University of Targoviste, Chair.
Prof. Dr. Hab. Cristiana Rădulescu, Director of Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, Co-Chair.
Prof. Dr. Ion V. Popescu, President of the Targoviste Branch of the Academy of Scientists of Romania, Co-Chair.
Prof. Dr. Sergiu Musteata, Doctoral School &UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Heritage Preservation, Science, and Communication for Sustainable Communities Initiative, Valahia University of Targoviste, Co-Chair.
Dr. Ioana Dulama, Deputy Director of Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Claudia Stihi, Head of the Sciences and Advanced Technologies Department, Valahia University of Targoviste.
Dr. Dorin Let, Researcher, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste.
Dr. Alin Bucurica, Researcher, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste.
Lect. Dr., Alexandru Pompiliu, Director of the Research Center in Political Science and Communication, Valahia University of Targoviste.
Scientific Commitee
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura-Monica Gorghiu, Rector of Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania, Chair.
Prof. Dr. João Coroado, President of the Polytechnic University of Tomar, Portugal, Co-Chair,
Prof. Dr. Mariyana Bozhinova, Rector of D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria.
Prof. PhDr. Bohumil Jiroušek, Dr., Rector of University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czechia.
Prof. PhDr. Miloš Lichner, PhD., Rector of University of Trnava in Trnava, Slovakia.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tümay, Rector of Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Türkiye.
Prof. Dr. Natércia Santos, Vice-President of the Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Prof. Dr. Célio Marques, Pro-President for Internationalisation and Pedagogic Innovation of the Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Dr. Andreia Nogueira, Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Research Fellow João Paulo Pedro, Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Research Fellow Ânia Chasqueira, Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Research Fellow Lígia Mateus, Polytechnic University of Tomar.
Assoc. Prof. Monika Ewa Adamska, PhD, D.Sc., Arch., Head of Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Opole University of Technology.
Assoc. Prof. Diana Rokita-Poskart, Ph.D., Opole University of Technology.
doc. Mgr. Lucia Nováková, PhD., Head of Department of History, University of Trnava in Trnava, Slovakia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saeid Abbasian, Södertörn University, Sweden.
Senior Lecturer Dr. Christian Widholm, Södertörn University, Sweden.
Senior Lecturer and Researcher Licia Calvi, Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands.
Senior Lecturer and Researcher Marisa de Brito, Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands.
Prof. Dr. Rodica-Mariana Ion, Director of the Doctoral School of Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania.
Prof. Dr. Ioan Opris, Doctoral School of Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania.
Prof. Dr. Hab. Monica Margarit, Doctoral School of Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania.
(Other reputed scholars to be announced shortly).
Conference Timeline and Information
Conference
First day of conference
May 16, 2024
Last day of conference
May 17, 2024
Website
Go Live (as a Current Conference)
January 1, 2024
Move to Conference Archive
December 1, 2024
Submissions
Call for Papers posted
January 1, 2024
Author registration opened
January 1, 2024
Author registration closed
March 15, 2024 (updated)
Submissions closed
March 15, 2024 (updated)
Submissions accepted
March 15, 2024
Reviews
Reviewer registration opened
January 1, 2024
Reviewer registration closed
March 15, 2024
Website Posting
Accepted papers and panels
April 1, 2024
Accepted abstracts
April 1, 2024
Schedule (included in Conference Information listing)
April 1, 2024
Contact: Valahia University of Targoviste, Aleea Sinaia 13, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania.
Tel. (004) 0724403094
E-mail: gafencu@valahia.ro
Conference Organizers and Sponsors: Collaboration for Success
Organizers
Valahia University of Targoviste is a modern university endowed with two brand new campuses in Targoviste and Alexandria, as well as spanking novel and innovative research, educational, and social facilities and, most importantly, the energy of a youthful and dynamic faculty, research, and student communities. The university, which was founded 30 years ago on June 1, 1992, is Romania’s only higher education institution to have built an entirely new infrastructure from the ground up, providing a highly competitive and cutting-edge educational, research, social, and cultural environment. This is ideal for our programs’ forward-thinking orientation, which fully integrates us into the dynamics of a competitive global higher education market. Nicknamed the „The Citadel of 33 Princes”, Targoviste is a magnificent medieval city with a variety of monuments and historical remains that make it extremely appealing to both visitors and inhabitants. The ruins of the Princely Court are among the most visited historical sites in Romania and south-eastern Europe, and Romanian rulers such as Vlad the Impaller (Dracula), Radu the Great, Neagoe Basarab, Peter Earring, Michael the Brave, Matei Basarab, and Constantin Brancovan have left a lasting impact on national cultural Romanticism and global roman noir. The mythology of Count Dracula, whose capital cities were Targoviste and Bucuresti, is one of the world’s most enduring cultural legacies.
Knowledge & Creativity European University (KreativEU) agreed to the common goal of establishing a fully European University, that places the creative potential derived from Europe’s cultural heritage at the heart of its teaching, research and knowledge transfer activities. Committing to a long-term institutional, structural and strategic cooperation the partners will jointly implement an ambitious yet inclusive vision for transforming the study of culture, identity, memory and heritage for the benefit of society. Building upon this strong foundation, KreativEU will provide the EU with innovative concepts, methods, and solutions to address both current and future challenges, contributing to a sustainable and harmonious future for communities and the environment alike. Our comprehensive strategy endeavors to instill a profound appreciation for the interplay of cultural and ecological stewardship, positioning the alliance as a catalyst for positive transformation across local, regional, and global domains.
KreativEU recognizes the inseparable interconnection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as the interwoven nature of local and national traditions, crafts, cultural practices, and folklore. The alliance is dedicated to formulating cutting-edge educational and research programmes that reevaluate these elements and their associated ecological surroundings, the lived environment, especially in the context of the digital age. This ecocultural vision serves as the foundational principle guiding KreativEU’s efforts, ensuring that its initiatives not only embrace cultural and ecological interconnectedness but also leverage digital advancements to enhance the accessibility, dissemination, and understanding of cultural heritage.
The National Commission of Romania for UNESCO was established as of the date of Romania’s accession to UNESCO in 1956. By Government Decision 624/1995 The Commission was reorganized. The normative act establishes the character of the Commission as a public institution with a legal personality coordinated by the Ministry of Education and the role of the Commission to ensure Romania’s connection with UNESCO and as a multidisciplinary body of analysis, synthesis and coordination of programs, projects and activities in Romania that derive from the Constitution, resolutions, programs/budgets of UNESCO. The Commission’s activity is structured on 5 Sub-Committees, each of which is serviced by one expert: Education Subcommittee, Culture Subcommittee, Science Subcommittee, Communication and Information Subcommittee, Interdisciplinary Programs Subcommittee. The management of the Commission is ensured by the Secretary-General.
International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences / Conseil International de la Philosophie et des Sciences Humaines (CIPSH ) is a non-governmental organisation within UNESCO, which federates hundreds of different learned societies in the field of philosophy, human sciences and related subjects. The CIPSH coordinates the international works and researches carried out by a huge constellation of centres and networks of scholars. It favours the exchange of knowledge among faraway scholars and fosters the international circulation of scholars, in order to improve the communication among specialists from different disicplines, enforce a better knowledge of cultures and of the different social, individual and collective behaviours and bring to the fore the richness of each culture and their fruitful diversity.
The International Council for Philosophy and Humanistic Studies was founded on the 18th of January, 1949, in Brussels, at the request of UNESCO and under its auspices, following a meeting organized by the Union Académique Internationale to bring together representatives of nongovernmental organizations. From January 1, 2011, it adopted the designation “International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences”.
The Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology (ICSTM) at Valahia University of Targoviste (VUT) spearheads research, development, and innovation projects funded by national and international programs, as well as contracts with businesses. With 16 accredited research centers under its wing, ICSTM’s mission is to coordinate, monitor, and support scientific and technological research while respecting the autonomy of each center. ICSTM focuses on applied research for new product and technology development, fundamental research to deepen knowledge, and analytical research to address specific challenges within VUT’s areas of expertise. ICSTM aims the activity of scientific research, experimental development, innovation and technology transfer in the fields of competence of Valahia University.
Established in 2004, the “Grigore Gafencu” Research Center for the History of International Relations and Cultural Heritage is dedicated to exploring the history of European and global international relations alongside cultural heritage preservation. Comprising two distinct research units—the Laboratory of History of International Relations and the Laboratory of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage—the center serves as a hub for scholarly inquiry and innovation. The Laboratory of History of International Relations delves into a broad spectrum of topics spanning from the 19th century to the early 21st century. It explores the history of international relations, minority issues, and the impactful activities of organizations. Meanwhile, the Laboratory of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage enjoys widespread acclaim, particularly in the realms of prehistoric archaeology, museology history, and heritage preservation.
UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Heritage Preservation, Science, and Communication for Sustainable Communities, headquartered at Valahia University in Targoviste, mobilized experts from European (the core being the KreativEU European Universities), Asian, and African universities, NGOs, Professional Associations, and Local Communities, which will contribute to the research, protection, and promotion of cultural and natural heritage in the context of the development of sustainable communities. The UNITWIN Network supports the UN Sustainable Development Agenda (2030), UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (2022-29), UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017) on recognition of the importance of heritage protection for peace and security, UNESCO MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration, UN Resolution 76/214 on ‘Culture and Sustainable Development’ (2023), and strives to implement them in practice, using science, communication, and education.
Contact Information
Valahia University of Targoviste, Aleea Sinaia 13, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania.
Tel. (004) 0724403094
E-mail: gafencu@valahia.ro
Contact Email
gafencu@valahia.ro