Experts from the Institute for the Monuments’ Protection at the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports participated in a multi-day modular workshop held from 29 to 31 October 2025, at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo. The workshop was organised within the framework of the Horizon Europe STECCI international research project – Stone Monument Ensembles and the Climate Change Impact. The programme was conducted in a hybrid format, combining live lectures and practical demonstrations with online sessions.
This professional gathering focused on contemporary interdisciplinary approaches in conservation science, with particular emphasis on the impact of climate change on tangible cultural heritage. The programme included lectures, discussions, and laboratory demonstrations, covering current research methods, diagnostic approaches to historical materials, and challenges in preserving stone monuments under changing climate conditions.
Participants had the opportunity to explore both theoretical and practical aspects of advanced analytical methods, including spectroscopic, microscopic, and non-destructive techniques for examining stone and mineral structures. Special attention was given to procedures such as FTIR and XRF analysis, phase mineral analysis, microscopy (SEM-EDS), and ultrasonic diagnostics of material conditions. In addition to laboratory work, part of the program addressed international experiences in documenting, analyzing, and protecting monument ensembles, with a focus on the nomination of stećci for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The workshop brought together renowned lecturers and researchers from several European institutions, including representatives from the University of Sarajevo, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz), the University of Split, and the Institut Mines-Télécom. Notable contributors included Prof. Dr. Nusret Drešković, Prof. Dr. Saida Ibragić, Prof. Dr. Stefan Simon, Prof. Dr. Snežana Radulović, Prof. Dr. Samir Đug, Prof. Dr. Maja Đekić, Dr. Ivan Alduk, Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy, Dr. rer. nat. Marta Anghelone, Dr. rer. nat. Farkas Pinter, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Vincent Thiery, Assoc. Prof. Siniša Bizjak, Asst. Prof. Krešimir Bosnić, as well as researchers and project collaborators, including Kerim Hrvat and other members of the STECCI project.
Through their involvement in this programme, the employees of the Institute had the opportunity to exchange experiences with international experts and familiarise themselves with the latest trends and research findings in the field of conservation and valorisation of tangible cultural heritage in the context of climate change.
