The medieval parish Church of St. Mauritius in Spitz an der Donau, perched high above the Danube river, is an iconic landmark within the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Its vibrant, polychrome-tiled tower roof is not only visually striking but also historically significant, particularly following the surprising discovery that the roof, long thought to date from the 19th century, in fact originates from around 1505. This makes it Austria’s only fully preserved late medieval example of this distinctive roofing style. Following severe storm damage in 2020, an extensive restoration project was launched to secure this fragile cultural heritage.

The interdisciplinary team led by the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority adopted a carefully planned multi-stage approach that combined advanced scientific research with traditional conservation techniques. These included true-to-deformation surveying, photogrammetry, dendrochronology, building archaeology, mineralogical analysis, and archival studies. The research revealed invaluable insights into original construction methods and symbolism, such as the floral meadow motif symbolising the Kingdom of Heaven and the imperial coat of arms of Emperor Maximilian I. A detailed tile book documented the condition and position of all 8,000 roof tiles, significantly aiding knowledge transfer.

The restoration prioritised minimal intervention, preserving 80% of the original roof tiles in situ. Approximately 2,000 replacement tiles were crafted using authentic medieval methods by skilled ceramists to match the originals. Modern, invisible ventilation systems were discreetly integrated to improve structural longevity while safeguarding the building’s historic fabric.

The main funding partners of the project included the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, the Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, the Diocese of St. Pölten, the Parish of Spitz, the Market Town of Spitz, and contributions from local associations and private donors.

Volunteers played a crucial role by cleaning tiles, organising events, and raising funds through campaigns such as a “brick donation” initiative. Public engagement activities – including symposiums, guided tours, and educational outreach – strengthened local pride and raised awareness of cultural values. Accessibility and outreach to non-traditional audiences were also prioritised.

This restoration project offers a valuable model for heritage conservation, showcasing how interdisciplinary expertise and craftsmanship can combine with community involvement. Beyond safeguarding architectural history, the project strengthened the church as a vibrant centre of identity and sustainable tourism within the World Heritage region.

 
“This project exemplifies a successful combination of professional expertise and local engagement. The restoration was carried out to a high technical standard while actively involving the local community, resulting in a process that was both inclusive and conservation-driven,” the Awards’ Jury commented.

“The restoration of the roof tiles was based on meticulous research and documentation, treating them as an artistic component of a building,” the Jury added.

Contact: Gerold Eßer | Federal Monuments Authority Austria | gerold.esser@bda.gv.at | www.bda.gv.at

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© Georges De Kinder

Antwerp City Hall, completed in 1565, is one of Northern Europe’s earliest Renaissance civic buildings. Part of the UNESCO-listed Belfries of Belgium and France, it remains the administrative and political heart of the city. The recent restoration, led by the City of Antwerp with HUB and Origin Architecture & Engineering, preserved this core function while addressing urgent structural and technical issues accumulated over decades.

The project adopted a practical and historically informed strategy, grounded in extensive research, including dendrochronology, material testing, and 3D laser scanning. It responded to functional, sustainability and heritage challenges through a comprehensive design process. The building embarked on an extensive restoration journey from 2018 to 2022. The building’s most ceremonial floor (“Schoon Verdiep”) was meticulously restored, including its ornate chandeliers, decorative mantelpieces, gold-leather wall coverings, and mural paintings, using traditional crafts and reversible conservation techniques.

The intervention balanced continuity with innovation. Historic gateways were reopened, and the main entrance was repositioned to face the Grote Markt, reinforcing the civic identity of the building. The third floor and attic, previously underused, now host modern offices, supported by discreet steel-framed floors and energy-efficient systems. The central stairwell was crowned with a new glass dome, bringing daylight to the core and providing a platform for contemporary art. Two glass rooftop pavilions bring natural light into the upper levels while respecting the building’s structural rhythm.

Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. The project achieved a BREEAM Very Good – a rare feat for a historic monument – thanks to dynamic energy simulations, sustainable water management, reversible HVAC systems, and biodiversity measures, including insect habitats, and green roofs. Materials were reused where possible, and systems were designed for future adaptability, including connection to a local district heating network.

The restoration was financed through a carefully managed €29 million budget, with approximately 60% of construction costs subsidised by the Flemish Agency for Immovable Heritage. Despite COVID-related delays, the project remained on track thanks to a feasibility study that informed every phase, from concept to execution.

Since reopening in June 2022, Antwerp City Hall has welcomed over 65,000 visitors through guided tours, exhibitions, and public events. The building is now fully accessible and serves as both a working city hall and a vibrant civic space. By maintaining its historic function while embracing contemporary needs, the project offers a model for the adaptive reuse of major heritage buildings across Europe.

“This exemplary restoration of a 16th-century city hall balanced structural conservation and energy efficiency, while preserving the building’s original civic function. The project, executed by a highly professional team, underlines the responsibility of local authorities in safeguarding and communicating Europe’s shared cultural legacy,” the Awards’ Jury stated.

More information: www.origin.eu | www.hub.eu | www.visit.antwerpen.be/en/info/town-hall

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Hôtel Solvay, located in the historic centre of Brussels, is one of the most celebrated works of Belgian Art Nouveau. Designed by the Belgian architect Victor Horta for the Solvay family and completed in 1903, the building has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

More than 30 years after its last major intervention, the building showed signs of critical deterioration, particularly to the façade and roof, prompting urgent conservation action.

From 2022 to 2024, the project focused on the restoration of the Euville limestone, cast iron detailing, oak joinery, and stained glass. Structural and decorative ironwork was dismantled, treated with zinc protection, and reassembled with precise attention to original techniques. The signature three-dimensional balcony grille was restored piece by piece. The natural slate roof and two large skylights were entirely renovated to prevent water infiltration and improve insulation. A new climate control system, operated by a rooftop weather station, now regulates heat through automated skylight openings.

To guide key interventions, 3D modelling and structural analysis were used in specific areas, such as the bowed bay windows. All phases of the work were meticulously documented, creating a comprehensive technical archive for future maintenance and for other restorations of Art Nouveau buildings. Stratigraphic studies and material analyses also yielded new insights into Horta’s original design principles.

Originally a private residence, the building later housed the Valens fashion house before being granted museum status in 2021. Since then, it has welcomed over 100,000 visitors. As a cultural landmark in the heart of the city, Hôtel Solvay reinforces Brussels’ reputation as the birthplace of Art Nouveau.

The project mobilised a wide range of master artisans: stonemasons, metalworkers, joiners, slate roofers, and glassmakers. Apprentices took part throughout the project, acquiring hands-on experience and sharing insights during guided tours. The restoration was supported by 80% public funding from the Brussels-Capital Region and 20% from the owner, Alexandre Wittamer, whose long-term commitment ensures public access and preservation.

Extensive outreach accompanied the works: public tours highlighted conservation techniques, students visited the building as part of their coursework, and progress was shared via social media. As such, the restoration of Hôtel Solvay sets a new standard for the safeguarding of Art Nouveau heritage in Europe.

“The restoration of Hôtel Solvay, a UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau landmark by Victor Horta, combines sensitive conservation with discreet modern upgrades,” the Awards’ Jury highlighted. “By organising public tours during the works, the project celebrated the craftsmanship involved and raised awareness of the value of architectural heritage,” the Jury added.

Contact: Alexandre Wittamer | Hôtel Solvay – Restoration of facade and roof | info@hotelsolvay.be | www.hotelsolvay.be

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Located near the Buffer Zone that still divides Nicosia, the Nicosia Old Municipal Market has been reborn as AGORA – a multifunctional civic hub combining heritage conservation, innovation, and inclusion. Designed in 1965 by architect Stavros Economou, the concrete modernist building originally housed a market on the ground floor and municipal offices above. After the city’s division in 1974, a section of the building was functioning as a neglected market while part of it was abandoned.

The recent restoration, led by architect George Tsaggarides for the Nicosia Municipality, was informed by extensive technical research and oral histories. In the absence of written records, interviews with original craftspersons and builders provided vital knowledge about materials and techniques. This was complemented by studies of post-war architecture in Cyprus and analysis of the reinforced concrete structure. The building was upgraded to meet current Eurocode standards for earthquake resistance, with a unified new foundation and discrete structural reinforcements preserving its fair-faced concrete surfaces and distinctive mosaic cladding.

With €5.5 million co-funding from the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus via the “THALIA 2021 – 2027” programme, the project represents a major investment in Nicosia’s historic centre. The restored building retains original architectural features while meeting the technical needs of its new occupant: CYENS Centre of Excellence, a research and innovation hub supported by local universities and international partners, such as UCL and the Max Planck Institute.

The AGORA hub now anchors the city’s emerging Creative Industries Quarter. It houses co-working spaces, labs, and cultural venues, and hosts events ranging from digital art festivals to inclusive skills training. Accessibility was a priority, with step-free routes, elevators, and digital infrastructure enabling full participation.

The project fosters civic renewal and social cohesion, notably through bicommunal partnerships with Turkish-Cypriot researchers and interns. CYENS engages with diverse audiences through youth programmes, digital literacy workshops, and community outreach, reaffirming the building’s legacy as a place of gathering and exchange.

Environmentally, the building integrated photovoltaic panels, daylighting strategies, and recycled materials, earning an Energy Performance Certificate A. Its reuse also avoids the emissions of demolition and new construction.

Located in a city still marked by division, AGORA now functions as a civic platform that connects research, tradition, and public life through the adaptive reuse of modernist heritage.

“This adaptive reuse project transformed a modernist-functionalist market located near the Buffer Zone of Nicosia into a centre of excellence, while preserving its original architectural character. Young professionals played a key role in the restoration,” the Awards’ Jury remarked. “The new AGORA hub has contributed to the revitalisation of a divided city by balancing historical preservation with economic and social sustainability,” the Jury added.

Contact: Nicosia Municipality | municipality@nicosia.org.cy | www.nicosia.org.cy

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Kambones 1615 is a listed Venetian tower house located on the island of Naxos, Greece. In continuous use for over 500 years, the complex includes a residence, an olive press, farm structures and a rare double-aisled chapel representing both Orthodox and Catholic traditions. It was designated a protected monument in 1975. Set within a 200-hectare estate, the site is deeply embedded in its natural surroundings, where ancient olive trees coexist with nesting birds of prey.

The privately funded restoration began in 2012, when the tower house faced imminent collapse due to structural faults caused by water infiltration. Over ten years, the owners worked with local craftsmen – or took on tasks themselves where skills had been lost – to restore walls, floors, plaster, woodwork and roof, using traditional materials and methods. All interventions were guided by traditional knowledge and overseen by architects in consultation with the local heritage authority. Modern adaptations, such as solar-powered water heating and discreet plumbing, were added without altering the building’s historic character. Repairs also extended to furniture, copperware and textiles, reviving domestic heritage alongside architecture.

Agricultural elements were stabilised and adapted for public use. The olive press now hosts small-scale concerts, music lessons, tastings and gatherings. Cultural activities include embroidery workshops, literary evenings, and seasonal events led by local residents. The chapel remains in use for baptisms, weddings and private prayer, open to all 24/7. Historic a cappella compositions are being prepared for performances in the chapel, linking built and intangible heritage.

Environmental sustainability is central to Kambones. The house operates without heating or air conditioning, relying on passive cooling through thick stone walls and traditional insulation made with local materials such as lime plaster and seaweed. Wastewater is treated in a three-chamber septic system and reused for irrigation; all other waste is either composted or recycled. Solar panels heat water, LED lighting is used throughout, and drought-resistant herbs and plants are cultivated in the garden.

Kambones is a living house, not a museum. It offers modest guest stays and community events to support maintenance while resisting the pressures of mass tourism and real estate development. Its holistic approach has sparked local interest in vernacular restoration, generating pride, sustainable economic development, and renewed knowledge transfer between generations. It offers a transferable example of sustainable conservation rooted in place, practice, and lived tradition.

“The restoration of this vernacular tower house on a Cycladic island preserved the building’s vernacular authenticity using traditional materials and techniques,” the Awards’ Jury commented. “Through low-impact interventions and traditional methods, the project achieved modern comfort while contributing to climate resilience. Kambones is a model for sustainable rural conservation in Europe,” the Jury added.

Contact: Sophia Emmanuel | Kambones 1615 Historic Home | sophiaemmanuel@yahoo.gr | www.kambones.com

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The EC1 complex in Łódź began as the city’s first power plant in 1907. After its closure in 2000, the site deteriorated until the City Council launched the EC1 Łódź – City of Culture initiative in 2008, aiming to create a multidisciplinary centre for science, technology, art, and film. The revitalisation, implemented in stages from 2010 to 2023, has established EC1 as a major cultural and educational institution at the heart of one of Poland’s most dynamic urban regeneration zones. The transformation was supported by six projects co-financed by the European Union, demonstrating a successful integration of heritage preservation, urban development, and EU funding mechanisms.

EC1, a member of the European Route of Industrial Heritage, features several listed buildings. The project preserved key architectural and technical elements of the historic buildings while adapting them for contemporary use. Art Nouveau and industrial-style facades were restored, early 20th-century machinery was conserved, and interior features, such as woodwork, tiles and metalwork, were retained or replicated using traditional techniques. The restoration involved a wide range of skilled crafts and was paired with sustainability measures, including green roofs, water retention systems, and LED lighting. The result is a coherent ensemble that bridges industrial heritage with contemporary functions.

Today, EC1 encompasses the Centre for Science and Technology, a Planetarium, the Centre for Comics and Interactive Narratives, the cinema of the National Centre for Film Culture, and a hands-on education zone for children. These attractions are complemented by public green space and a year-round cultural programme. In 2024, EC1 marked its two-millionth ticket sold. That year alone, over 200 public events were organised and more than 50 educational programmes were offered to schools. The site includes 40,000m² of usable space and hosts at least eight permanent and several temporary exhibitions annually.

EC1 also accommodates creative industry offices, non-profit organisations and community initiatives, fostering collaboration across culture, education and enterprise. Partnerships with local universities, including the University of Łódź, further strengthen its interdisciplinary role.

Accessibility and inclusion are central to EC1’s mission. The complex is fully accessible to people with disabilities, supported by architectural, digital and content-related solutions. It also participates in employment and training initiatives to improve diversity in the cultural sector. Ongoing dialogue with residents ensures that local needs are reflected in programme development.

The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of EC1 could serve as a reference for similar initiatives. Its broad impact spans urban revitalisation, heritage conservation, cultural innovation and environmental sustainability, positioning it among the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in Central Europe.

“This large-scale adaptive reuse project transformed a former power plant into a dynamic cultural and educational centre, with strong community involvement in shaping its new functions,” the Awards’ Jury stated. “As part of a broader urban regeneration effort, the EC1 Łódź – City of Culture project demonstrates how heritage reuse can drive transformation in post-industrial cities,” the Jury emphasised.

Contact: Adiran Kulesza | ”EC1 Łódź – City of Culture” in Łódź | adrian.kulesza@ec1lodz.pl | www.ec1lodz.pl

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The Peniche Fortress, whose construction began in the 16th century to defend the Portuguese coast, later served as the country’s most notorious political prison during Europe’s longest-lasting dictatorship (1926-1974). After the Revolution of 25 April 1974, the site gradually fell into disrepair. By the early 2010s, many buildings were severely degraded and nearly abandoned. In 2016, a public outcry over a proposed hotel conversion sparked a civic movement that successfully pushed for the site’s preservation as a place of collective memory.

The result is the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom, inaugurated on 27 April 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution and the release of political prisoners. The project, led by architect João Barros Matos, was co-funded by the Portuguese state and the European Union through the Portugal 2020 programme. From 2019 to 2024, the fortress was carefully conserved, restructured, and adapted to its new role. The project embraces the site’s layered identity, recognising its ‘fortress time’, ‘prison time’ and ‘museum time’ as integral to its historical significance.

Archaeological and geotechnical surveys informed structural reinforcements and conservation strategies, while former political prisoners contributed to the content development. A new museological path connects previously isolated courtyards and buildings, centred around the cistern courtyard, which has been reactivated as a freely accessible public space. The moat and surrounding rock formations were restored to underline the symbolic isolation of the site. The interior was repaired or remade using traditional materials and techniques, including lime plaster, marmorite coatings, and semi-industrial tiles.

The intervention respected the authenticity of the prison architecture while ensuring full accessibility for all visitors. Original prison cells and furnishings were retained to convey the lived experience of confinement. At the same time, new functions – including a café, bookshop, and education spaces – have integrated the museum into the civic and cultural life of the coastal town of Peniche. The museum has quickly become the city’s main cultural hub, drawing close to 150,000 visitors in its first twelve months – more than twelve times the local population. School groups and younger audiences are particularly prominent, highlighting the site’s educational potential.

Dedicated to the memory of those who resisted the authoritarian regime, the museum addresses wider European themes of human rights, democratic values, and the fight against authoritarianism. It offers a reference point for similar institutions across Europe and contributes to a growing international network of memory sites.

“Community engagement played a decisive role in preserving and transforming this former political prison into a national museum of deep symbolic value, following a civic campaign that prevented commercial development,” the Awards’ Jury highlighted.

“The restoration of the Fortress of Peniche respected the architectural integrity of both the fortification and the prison, while introducing new museum elements with sensitivity and restraint,” the Jury noted.

Contact: João Barros Matos | Atelier AR4, Arquitectura | joaobmatos@gmail.com

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The Puerta de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s most iconic monuments, has undergone its most ambitious restoration to date. Erected between 1769 and 1779 by architect Francesco Sabatini for King Charles III, the triumphal arch is a defining landmark in the heart of the Spanish capital. Today, it forms part of the “Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, Landscape of Arts and Sciences”, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

In 2022, the Madrid City Council launched a comprehensive restoration based on international heritage standards. Fully funded by the municipality, the project followed a dual methodology that combined historical research and scientific diagnostics with traditional craftsmanship. More than 100 specialists, including conservators, engineers, blacksmiths, stonemasons and sculptors, collaborated to analyse and restore the monument. Using 3D laser scanning, structural modelling, ultrasonic testing and laboratory material analysis, the team identified vulnerabilities in the stonework and internal metal frameworks. These studies confirmed the original artisans’ technical sophistication and guided every intervention.

Hands-on restoration work was carried out with great precision. Granite and limestone surfaces were cleaned, stabilised and consolidated. Sculptural elements were secured with new wrought iron or brass fixings where needed, while stable historical fittings were retained. Missing details were recarved in natural stone from original quarries using traditional tools. Lime mortar grouting and manual carving techniques were employed throughout, closely following 18th-century construction methods. Where possible, original elements were preserved; replacements were introduced only when strictly necessary and were carefully matched to existing materials.

The restoration project of the Puerta de Alcalá included extensive outreach. A website documented the works, and over 12,000 people participated in “Open for Restoration” tours, climbing scaffolding to view the monument at close range. A dedicated campaign – entitled “Conserving the Landscape. Enjoying the Light” – framed the project as part of Madrid’s commitment to safeguarding its World Heritage Sites. A technical conference was also held to share results and methodologies.

To protect the restored monument, a preventive conservation system was introduced. Environmental sensors now monitor vibration, humidity and structural behaviour. In an ecological measure, trained birds of prey were used to deter pigeons, avoiding the use of invasive anti-roosting devices.

This large-scale public restoration also resulted in the first complete digital record of the Puerta de Alcalá’s interior and structure. Together with the extensive documentation and outreach tools, this provides a long-term resource for conservation and research, and serves as a reference for similar projects across Europe.

“The restoration of the Puerta de Alcalá, a key urban landmark in Madrid, exemplified the integration of modern scientific methods with traditional craftsmanship,” the Awards’ Jury commented. “Extensive public engagement accompanied the works, including guided scaffold tours, multimedia outreach, and on-site interpretation,” the Jury remarked.

Contact: Blanca Mora Calderón, Head of the Restoration and Historical Heritage Service | Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport of Madrid City Council | moracb@madrid.es | www.restauracionpuertadealcala.es

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The Heritage Trees Project, led by the Province of East Flanders, addresses the risk of losing important old trees in Flanders and their unique qualities. Many of these “heritage trees” are centuries-old and have a special place in the landscape and local history. When such a tree is lost, its unique qualities, valuable genetic material and cultural meaning for the community disappear as well.

Since 2020, the project has developed a practical way to save these trees by taking cuttings or grafts and growing new trees with the same genetic characteristics. More than 115 unique trees have been selected, over 800 young trees have been raised, and more than 100 have already been planted in public spaces, either as a replacement for the original trees or at a new location. Every tree’s history and planting location have been recorded in a digital database, and a QR code on each new tree links back to its story and the broader project. The project is run out of the Heritage Site of Ename, where visitors can also learn about the project’s activities and results.

This project treats old trees not just as an important part of nature, but also as a key component of cultural heritage. It brings together tree planting experts, nature conservationists, local volunteers, and students to make sure the skills needed for growing and caring for these trees are passed on. Partners include research institutes, the Flemish Heritage Agency, and local craftsmen. The project is set up to be low-cost and easily transferable to other regions.

The community is closely involved. The Heritage Trees Project started in Zottegem, where local people helped plant new trees grown from a famous old “law-speaking tree” that was lost by a storm. Since then, the model has spread through workshops, school programmes, exhibitions, and planting events. Each new tree helps strengthen both nature and the community.

The project is known for its practical approach and focus on education. It supports climate action and biodiversity by planting native trees in towns and the countryside. Results are shared widely through talks, online platforms, and a forthcoming open-access data system. Workshops and educational activities ensure that propagation techniques are passed on to new generations.

The Heritage Trees Project is now part of East-Flanders’ heritage policy, with stable funding and growing support from professionals and local citizens. Work continues to expand the network of heritage trees, share practical knowledge, and involve new communities.

“The project’s innovative approach to conserving the genetic and cultural legacy of heritage trees through community engagement is a valuable contribution to climate adaptation,” the Awards’ Jury stated. “The great strength of the Heritage Trees Project is its citizen science model and the potential for replication across Europe,” the Jury highlighted.

Contact: Daan Declercq | Province East-Flanders, Heritage Department| daan.declercq@oost-vlaanderen.be | www.oost-vlaanderen.be/entenproject

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Odeuropa is the first major European research project dedicated to estimating the role of smell and olfactory practices in building cultural identity, collective memory, and enhancing the interpretation of both tangible and intangible heritage. The project’s ambition was to position smells and olfactory experiences as an essential part of heritage, tracing how they evoke emotions, bring history to life, and create multi-sensory connections to the past.

Coordinated by the Humanities Cluster of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and involving 35 researchers from six countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the United Kingdom), Odeuropa brought together expertise in history, heritage science, computer vision, semantic web, computational linguistics, museology, and digital humanities. Funded by the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union (€2.8 million) and carried out between 2021 and 2023, the project developed standards, resources, and practical methods for museums and researchers to identify, document, and present smell in heritage contexts.

A core innovation of the project was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and analyse smell-related references in more than 43,000 historical images and 167,000 books, across six European languages and four centuries (from the period 1600-1920). This resulted in the European Olfactory Knowledge Graph with 2.5 million smell experiences, which now supports research in literature, food history, health, and community engagement. The project’s methodology included identifying olfactory motifs in visual art, as well as language and practice, making it possible for institutions to bring smell into their interpretation of existing museum collections.

The developed key digital resources include the Odeuropa Smell Explorer, the first database to search heritage by smell; the Encyclopedia of Smell History and Heritage; and an Olfactory Storytelling Toolkit for museum professionals – developed with perfumers and heritage science experts to enable the presentation of historical scents in museum exhibitions. Best-practice guidelines, recommendations, and multilingual resources support the implementation of the project’s results at every stage, from research to education and public programming.

Odeuropa’s results and impact have been far-reaching, with practical applications adopted by museums and heritage sites across Europe and beyond. The project held a Smell Culture Fair in Amsterdam in 2023, an international event uniting museums, perfumers, artists, scientists, and the public to explore multisensory storytelling. Smell-based storytelling inspired new exhibitions and learning tools, and policy guidance, and was featured at the EU Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The project’s educational impact also included the training of more than 760 students and engagement with diverse communities – gathering ‘nose knowledge’ and local perspectives.

The AI and digital resources developed by the project remain available for researchers, museums, and policy-makers, supporting new collaborations and practical applications.

“Odeuropa’s multidisciplinary research into the new field of olfactory heritage fills a gap in scientific knowledge and standards and creates new tools and data to support future research into historical scent and heritage,” stated the Awards’ Jury.

“The project’s educational initiatives, including a PhD course and strong dissemination strategies, effectively support the integration of scent into museum practice,” added the Jury.

Contact: Prof. dr. Inger Leemans | KNAW Humanities Cluster | inger.leemans@huc.knaw.nl | www.odeuropa.eu

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