The 8th International Conference Chemistry for Cultural Heritage took place in Bled, Slovenia, from 9 to 11 June, bringing together researchers, conservators, and other experts in the field of heritage science. Among the participants was National and University Library (NUK)’s colleague Dr Jasna Malešič, who presented the NUK NextGen project as one of the conference speakers. The Director of the National and University Library, Dr Jana Kolar, also attended the conference as a guest speaker in a panel discussion exploring the impact of research on cultural heritage.

During the discussion, Dr Kolar emphasised that the greatest challenge is not convincing heritage professionals of the value of research, nor persuading researchers of the importance of practice. Rather, she noted, “The challenge is to create conditions that enable long-term, meaningful collaboration based on trust and mutual understanding across disciplines.”

Dedicated to the research and preservation of cultural heritage, the conference attracted approximately 200 participants from around the world, who presented more than 120 scientific and professional papers spanning chemistry, physics, archaeology, conservation and restoration, data science, and other disciplines contributing to heritage science.

The conference was held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. It was co-organised by the GreenHer Centre of Excellence, which focuses on advancing the green and digital transition in the cultural heritage sector.