Joint Summer School Programme

Cultural Heritage in Context. Digital Technologies for the Humanities

INTRODUCTION

2nd edition

THE VOICES OF RESILIENCE

Testimonials and Achievements from RESILIAGE’s Summer Schools

RESILIAGE is a three-year Horizon Europe project (GA no. 101121231) dedicated to enhancing community resilience through the integration of local heritage. By addressing crises and disasters, the project aims to boost sustainable development and inclusive growth across Europe. It employs a community-centred approach through CORE Labs situated in Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Norway, and Turkey, each focusing on different aspects of resilience.

This booklet presents insights and experiences from three notable Summer Schools conducted as part of the RESILIAGE project, as well as testimonials from participants.

All editions of the RESILIAGE’s Summer Schools were co-organised by POLITO, UNESCO and UCLA and hosted by POLITO at Castello del Valentino, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turin, Italy. The Summer School is part of the International Joint Summer School Programme “Cultural Heritage in Context. Digital Technologies for the Humanities”, from POLITO and UCLA Cotsen Institute of Archeology.

The Summer School is directed by Prof. Rosa Tamborrino (Full Professor, Politecnico di Torino, Italy), Prof. Willeke Wendrich (Full Professor, Politecnico di Torino, and Research Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA), and Irina Pavlova (Project Officer, UNESCO).

The 2023 edition of the Summer School, titled “Heritage-driven Community Resilience”, explored the resilience of six endangered cultural and natural sites. This edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School counted with the participation of 15 students and took place between the 23rd and 30th of September 2023.

The 2024 edition, “SHEroes Resilience Summer School: Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Reduction through Heritage”, empowered 11 women and men in disaster risk reduction through heritage through transformative learning experiences. This Summer School edition took place between the 22nd and 29th of June 2024.

The 2025 edition, titled “Mobilising Inclusive Heritage Drivers for Disaster Resilient Communities”, brought together 24 participants from 15 countries. This edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School explored how heritage and technology can drive disaster resilience and community empowerment and took place between the 5th and 12th of July 2025.

This ongoing effort underscores a commitment to fostering resilience and knowledge exchange on a global scale, aligning with the comprehensive capacity-building strategy outlined in the initial year of the project.

As for 2024 edition, “SHEroes Resilience Summer School: Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Reduction through Heritage”, empowered 11 women and men in disaster risk reduction through heritage through transformative learning experiences. This Summer School edition took place between the 22nd and 29th of June 2024. This 6th edition of the joint programme was attended by students from 7 nationalities, namely from China, France, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Netherlands and Philippines.

Both editions of the joint programme followed a similar structure. The mornings began with lessons, seminars and workshops organised by international experts from interdisciplinary fields. In the afternoons, students worked in parallel groups, supported by the tutors and teaching committee, to develop their course project. In both editions, participants worked on group projects based on real case scenarios from the CORE labs of the RESILIAGE project. During the week, dedicated sessions were organised to give participants the opportunity to directly interact with local representatives. The Summer Schools concluded with a pop-up exhibition where all students present their group work to the teaching committee, who evaluate the outcomes. Additionally, the programme includes site visits and external training activities to enhance the learning experience.

This ongoing effort underscores a commitment to fostering resilience and knowledge exchange on a global scale. These Summer Schools provided a valuable opportunity to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, offering a stage for meaningful capacity building and collaboration.

Past Editions

2025 at a glance

In this section, you’ll meet the people and places that shaped the 2025 edition of the Summer School.

Here, we present our invited speakers alongside their roles and affiliations, acknowledge the staff and contributors behind the programme, and showcase a wide-ranging cohort of participants by organisation and nationality.

We also set out the pilot contexts that grounded the hands-on work, highlighting the relevant CORE Labs where methods were applied and insights emerged.

MOBILISING INCLUSIVE HERITAGE DRIVERS FOR DISASTER-RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Mobilising Inclusive Heritage Drivers for Disaster-Resilient Communities (5–12 July 2025) took place at Politecnico di Torino’s Castello del Valentino—an UNESCO World Heritage site in Turin, Italy. The Summer School explored how inclusive, community-centred approaches to cultural and natural heritage can strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery, with a special focus on translating research into policy and practice.

The Teaching Committee brought together leading scholars and practitioners across risk, heritage and social sciences: Funda Atun (Associate Professor, University of Twente, NL; ITC—Urban & Regional Planning and Geo-information Management); Cees van Westen (Full Professor, Earth System Analysis, Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation—ITC, University of Twente, NL); Kati Orru (Associate Professor of Sociology of Sustainability, University of Tartu, EE); Nathan Clark (Assistant Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Organisation Sciences, NL); Kees Boersma (Full Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences, NL); Eirini Glynou Lefaki (Consultant, UNESCO, BE); Naylor Vilas Boas (Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BR); Rodrigo Cury Paraizo (Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BR); Giulia Mezzalama (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); and Pelin Bolca (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT).

Hands-on studio and fieldwork were supported by dedicated tutors: Farzaneh Aliakbari(PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Torino & UNESCO) and Sofia Darbesio (PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Torino). Their guidance ensured that teams could prototype methods, test tools and iterate solutions with real-world applicability.

This edition welcomed 24 participants from 15 countries, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and practice. Nationalities represented included Italy, Spain, Belgium, Türkiye, China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Portugal, Estonia, the Netherlands and Poland, among others. Affiliations spanned higher education, public authorities and industry, including: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (IT); Deep Blue S.r.l. (IT); IE University (ES); KU Leuven (BE); Özyeğin University (TR); Politecnico di Torino (IT); Sapienza University of Rome (IT); Sichuan University (CN); Sun Yat-sen University (CN); UNDP Asia Pacific—Bangkok Regional Hub (TH); Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya(ES); University College London (UK); University of Miami (US); University of Porto / CEGOT & Rural Move (PT); University of Salerno (IT); University of Tartu (EE); University of Twente (NL); and University of Warsaw (PL).

Case studies and exercises engaged two RESILIAGE CORE Labs, Karsıyaka Municipality (Turkey), Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark (Portugal) and the CORE Associated Lab of the Coal Mining Museum in Zabrze (Poland). Using these living laboratories, participants applied inclusive heritage-led DRR methodologies to develop actionable strategies tailored to local governance, community needs and risk profiles.

This Summer School was a cross-project collaboration, CMINE, PARATUS, SYNERGIES and LINKS, strengthening ties across Europe’s risk and heritage communities.

2024 at a glance

In this section, you’ll meet the people and places that powered the 2024 edition of the Summer School.

It brings together our invited speakers, the staff and contributors who shaped the programme behind the scenes, and a diverse cohort of participants, showcasing the event’s truly European (and beyond) reach.

You’ll also find the pilot settings that anchored the hands-on work, highlighting the relevant CORE Labs where methods were tested and insights were gathered.

SHEROES RESILIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION THROUGH HERITAGE

SHEroes Resilience Summer School: Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Reduction through Heritage (22–29 June 2024) convened at Politecnico di Torino’s Castello del Valentino, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turin, Italy. Centred on gender-responsive disaster risk reduction (DRR), the programme combined lectures, clinics and studio work to explore how cultural heritage can empower women as leaders across preparedness, response and recovery.

The lecture series drew on globally recognised expertise spanning policy, practice and research: Faduma Ali and Zahra Amirzada (Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, UNESCO, FR); Rodrigo Cury Paraizo (Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BR); Daniela Di Bucci (Italian Civil Protection Department, IT); Emilia Garda (Full Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Caterina Franchini (Architect, Rebel Architette, IT); Patricia Gaspar (Civil Protection Director-General Special Adviser, Portugal, PT); Khalissa Ikhlef (LINKS Programme—Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, UNESCO, FR); Maureen Fordham (Full Professor, University College London, UK); Arianna Montorsi (Associate Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Rosa Tamborrino (Full Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Willeke Wendrich (Full Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, US); Daniela Ciaffi (Associate Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Giulia Mezzalama (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Mesut Dinler (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); and Emere Arco (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT).

The Teaching Committee ensured academic rigour and thematic coherence throughout the week: Zahra Amirzada (Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, UNESCO, FR); Pelin Bolca(PhD, Research Fellow, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Rodrigo Cury Paraizo (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BR); Giulia Mezzalama (Politecnico di Torino, IT); and Rosa Tamborrino (Politecnico di Torino, IT).

Hands-on work was scaffolded by dedicated tutors who supported group projects and field assignments: Pelin Bolca (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Politecnico di Torino, IT) and Farzaneh Aliakbari (PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Torino, IT).

11 participants took part, representing nationalities including France, the Philippines, Iraq, the Netherlands, China and Israel. Their affiliations spanned higher education, public authorities and practice: University of Antwerp (BE); University of the Philippines (PH); AK Architects (IQ); Reinwardt Academy (NL); University of Genoa (IT); Politecnico di Torino (IT); Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” (IT); UNITO (IT); and University of Ferrara (IT). This diversity fostered rich peer-to-peer learning and practical exchange.

Casework engaged two RESILIAGE CORE Labs, Trondheim (Norway) and Karsıyaka Municipality (Turkey), as living laboratories. Participants applied gender-sensitive DRR methodologies to these contexts, translating classroom insights into actionable strategies for heritage-driven community resilience.

2023 at a glance

In this section, you’ll meet the people and places that powered the 2023 edition of the Summer School.

It includes our invited speakers, the staff and contributors who shaped the programme behind the scenes, and the diverse cohort of participants, reflecting the event’s truly European (and beyond) reach.

You can also discover the pilot settings that anchored hands-on work, specifying the relevant CORE Labs where methods were tested and insights were gathered.

HERITAGE-DRIVEN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE. SIX ENDANGERED CULTURAL NATURAL SITES

Heritage-driven community resilience. Six endangered cultural natural sites (23–30 September 2023) brought together an international cohort in Turin to explore how cultural and natural heritage can anchor preparedness, response and recovery. Over an intensive week, participants engaged with case-led lectures, hands-on exercises and reflective debates, connecting theory with practice to address risks facing vulnerable places and communities.

The Teaching Committee reflected the programme’s interdisciplinary breadth, drawing on expertise from UNESCO, academia and industry: Ali Faduma (Associate Specialist, Disaster Risk Unit, UNESCO, FR); Babis Fassoulas (Professor, University of Crete and Natural History Museum of Crete, GR); Miguel Iglesias González (Vexiza, ES); Fernando Núñez Sánchez (Vexiza, ES); Hans Barnard (Emeritus Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, US); Martina Ragosta (Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF, NO); Norbert Leonhardmair (Researcher, Vicesse, AU); Oscar Navarro Carrascal (Full Professor, Université de Nîmes, FR); Soichiro Yasukawa (Chief, Disaster Risk Unit, UNESCO, FR); Daniela Ciaffi (Associate Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); Mesut Dinler (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT); and Giulia Mezzalama (Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino, IT).

Learning was supported by an engaged team of tutors who mentored group work and guided practical sessions: Iman Nagy (PhD Candidate, University of California, Los Angeles, US); Aude Naud (PhD Candidate, University of Nantes, FR); Pelin Bolca (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Politecnico di Torino, IT); and Farzaneh Aliakbari (PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Torino, IT).

15 participants joined this edition, spanning a truly global mix of backgrounds and experiences from Brazil, Russia, China, Italy, Iraq, India, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Hungary, the United States, Turkey, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. This diversity enriched peer learning and ensured that discussions on resilience and heritage were grounded in multiple cultural, professional and geographical perspectives.

Institutional affiliations ranged from public authorities and cultural agencies to universities and private practice, including Banco de la Nación Argentina (AR); Gran Sasso Science Institute, L’Aquila, and Culture and Media Agency Europe (CUMEDIAE)(IT/BE); Politecnico di Torino (IT); Virtu Architects (IQ); Queen Mary University of London (GB); Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (HU); University of California, Los Angeles (US); Ministry of Culture and Tourism / General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums (Department of Conservation Boards) (TR); Cotsen Institute (US); Silpakorn University (TH); Diriyah Gate Development Authority (SA); and Catholic University of Leuven (BE). This cross-sector composition fostered dialogue between research, policy and practice.

The edition actively engaged two RESILIAGE CORE Labs, Famenne Ardenne (Belgium) and Crete (Greece), using them as living references to test ideas, compare methodologies and translate classroom insights into field-ready approaches for heritage-driven community resilience.

Results

2025 Outcomes

As you explore the following pages, you will encounter the work developed by participants in the 2025 edition of the Summer School, showcasing how inclusive heritage and emerging technologies can be harnessed to strengthen disaster resilience.

These outcomes reflect the participants’ commitment to creating innovative, community-centred solutions that bridge cultural heritage and digital innovation and demonstrate how diverse voices and interdisciplinary approaches can shape more resilient and empowered societies.

01. CO-AL(L)

Project Title: Gamified heritage learning at the Zabrze Coal Mining Museum

Team Members: Yağmur Koyuncu, Matilde Deandreis, Didar İskender, Ingeliis Siimsen, Hu Yitong, Hao Mohan, Huang Zimeng and Gidey Gebreegziabher Gebrekrstos

Description: The CO-AL(L) project explores how cultural heritage, technology and youth engagement can revitalise post-industrial communities facing the socio-economic impacts of coal mine closures. Set in Zabrze, Poland, the initiative centres on the Coal Mining Museum and aims to reconnect young people with their cultural roots through an immersive, gamified educational experience. By linking tangible heritage sites with intangible traditions, like St. Barbara’s celebrations and lived mining memories, the project addresses the challenges of depopulation, ageing and community disconnection.

CO-AL(L) introduces an interactive cycling tour supported by VR and mobile technologies, offering story-driven exploration, quiz challenges and digital storytelling to promote resilience learning. It also proposes the establishment of a foundation (Friends of Zabrze) to support intergenerational dialogue, legal aid and community-based governance. This combination of technology, cultural memory and youth-focused activities turns heritage into a driver for disaster preparedness, identity preservation and long-term community empowerment.

02. HEAT HEROES

Project Title: Reviving traditional wisdom for heatwave resilience

Team Members: Yue Pan, Sara Mamon, Lin Wang, Francesco Pio Ferraioli, Chen Song, Giovanni Profeta, Sonia Matera, Debraj Deka and Nina Jean-Louis

Description: The Heat Heroes project tackles the rising threat of heatwaves in Karşıyaka, Turkey, by transforming traditional knowledge into an educational game for children aged 8–12. Set across six real locations, the game introduces players to diverse community characters who share local, time-tested strategies for coping with extreme heat.

Players learn from older community members and apply that wisdom to help fictional characters facing heat-related challenges. Supported by ethical AI use and a desire-based research framework, the project demonstrates how intangible cultural heritage can empower future generations and inspire locally grounded responses to climate-related risks.

03. CONVIVIOTECA

Project Title: Mapping heritage and fostering inclusion

Team Members: Arnout De Vleeschouwer, Elif Can, Nuria Pantaleoni Reluy, Diogo Miguel Pinto, Su Ekin Yaliz and Amir Abbas Mansoori Mehr

Description: The Convivioteca project focuses on strengthening community resilience in the Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal, where rural depopulation, ageing populations and increasing immigration are contributing to the disruption of traditional heritage and social cohesion. The project addresses these challenges by mapping the region’s cultural and natural heritage and creating inclusive, participatory tools to preserve and share local knowledge.

Through a digital platform, composed of a website and Instagram presence, the initiative proposes interactive activities such as dance workshops, cooking classes and storytelling events, connecting elderly residents and newcomers through shared cultural expressions. By combining GIS-based heritage mapping with accessible digital storytelling, the project fosters intergenerational and intercultural exchange, promoting identity, trust and local resilience.

2024 Outcomes

As you explore the following pages, you will encounter a summary of the work developed by the students who have transformed learning into action in the 2024 edition of Summer School, illustrating the intersection of cultural heritage, technology, and gender in building resilient communities.

These outcomes highlight students’ dedication in crafting solutions that not only address immediate disaster risk reduction needs but also empower women by integrating and preserving valuable cultural traditions.

The 2024 edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School focused on two case studies from the project’s CORE Labs, namely Trondheim and Karsiyaka.

01. CARE

Project Title: CARE – Community urban Agriculture for Resilience in Trondheim

Team Members: Cécile Bruyet & Sofia Darbesio

Description: The CARE Project discusses how urban farming can significantly boost community resilience against natural hazards. It highlights the integration of agriculture into urban settings as a way to provide sustainable food sources and strengthen community bonds. This approach is crucial for disaster risk reduction, helping communities to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters like landslides and food crises.

The project also links urban farming to cultural heritage, showing how agricultural practices can be incorporated into UNESCO heritage sites, enriching their cultural and historical significance. Additionally, it emphasises the role of women and inclusion in urban farming, noting that these activities can empower women by providing them with resources and roles that are crucial in disaster risk reduction efforts. This makes urban farming a key strategy in sustainable urban planning and enhancing community resilience.

02. NIGHTINGALE

Project Title: Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Mitigation: Safeguarding through intangible Cultural Heritage and Practices in the city of Karşıyaka

Team Members: Maristella De Fabrizio, Shayan Kamil & Yue Pan

Description: The NIGHTINGALE project is centred on enhancing women’s roles in disaster risk mitigation through the use of intangible cultural heritage in Karşıyaka. It highlights how preserving cultural practices can help maintain community identity and empower women to play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response. It also researches how women can be empowered through digital skills and gender-sensitive approaches, to increase their leadership and participation in disaster risk management.

Moreover, the project underscores the importance of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional crafts and festivals, which are pivotal in maintaining community cohesion and identity during and after disasters. It illustrates the critical role women play in these efforts, emphasising how their involvement not only helps preserve cultural practices but also strengthens the community’s resilience against disasters.

03. SHECONNECTS

Project Title: SheConnects Trondheim

Team Members: Maria Rosaria Cocozza, Christy Kelderman & Feng Liu

Description: The project explores the impact of natural hazards on women’s mental health, particularly focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Trondheim. It discusses the higher incidence of PTSD among women compared to men following disasters and how this can be addressed through community and cultural engagement. The project also emphasises the use of digital tools and heritage preservation as mechanisms to support women’s mental health and resilience.

Key strategies outlined by the project include integrating art and heritage into disaster risk management. By encouraging participation in community art projects and heritage-related activities, the programme aims to leverage cultural practices for healing and building resilience. The approach not only aids in emotional and psychological recovery but also strengthens community bonds, providing women with the support needed to manage the aftermath of disasters effectively.

04. WEAVE

Project Title: Women’s Emergency Action Volunteer Engagement

Team Members: Aya Tahhan, Margherita Rago & Gerard Lico

Description: The WEAVE project is aimed at empowering women in disaster risk reduction through leveraging cultural heritage. It details the creation of the WEAVE app, designed to mobilise volunteers, particularly women, to use their local cultural knowledge in emergency situations. The app connects volunteers with civil protection agencies and women’s associations to facilitate effective responses to disasters like earthquakes and heatwaves.

The project emphasises the role of women as key agents in strengthening community resilience. It outlines various activities within the WEAVE framework, such as craft making, storytelling, and traditional culinary practices, which are used to engage and empower participants. These culturally rooted activities not only enhance the community’s capacity to respond to emergencies but also preserve important cultural traditions.

2023 Outcomes

In this section, you will discover how the students applied their learning to create practical projects. The 2023 edition concentrated on the connection between cultural heritage, technology, and community resilience, specifically focusing on endangered cultural and natural sites.

The projects featured here demonstrate the students’ dedication to developing new solutions for understanding the interactions between humans and historical environments. They also explored how these interactions can enhance community resilience and delved into the intangible values and local knowledge within these historic settings.

The 2023 edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School focused on two case studies from the project’s CORE Labs, namely Crete and Famenne-Ardenne.

01. MEMORIENCE

Project Title: Let’s make communities resilient through the collection of local memories about disasters

Team Members: Andrea Aita, Shatoo Ali, Yue Pan, Corrado Scudellaro, Kuekkong Suadee

Description: The goal of the memorience project is to enhance community resilience by collecting local memories about disasters. It focuses on preserving the intangible heritage of communities, which includes traditions, practices, and knowledge that shape a group’s identity. Natural hazards and climate change pose significant threats to this heritage, as they disrupt the lives of communities and hinder the transmission of cultural knowledge. By gathering this local knowledge and creating a digital repository, the project aims to protect and ensure the continuity of these intangible cultural assets.

In addition to preservation, memorience seeks to actively involve local communities in the process. It proposes a digital platform where residents can share their experiences, cultural practices, and memories related to past disasters. This platform will not only serve as a historical record but also as a resource for future disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, ensuring that the cultural identity of these communities remains intact even in the face of natural hazards.

02. MEMOWÉRIS

Project Title: Famenne-Ardenne community-based heritage knowledge

Team Members: Daria Brancart, Sofia Darbesio, Maria Samareva, Tamás Tüske, Manoj Pastham

Description: The MemoWéris project focuses on preserving cultural heritage in the Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark. It aims to protect local traditions, crafts, and gastronomy from risks like natural disasters and mass tourism. By engaging the community and local authorities, the project works to safeguard heritage elements such as ancient stone structures, which are often misunderstood or misused by tourists.

Through surveys and digital tools, MemoWéris promotes sustainable tourism and community resilience. The project encourages locals and tourists to participate in preserving and transmitting heritage, fostering stronger community bonds while promoting the responsible use of resources.

Testimonies

2025 Testimonials

This section shares reflections from participants of the 2025 Summer School. Their voices offer unique perspectives on how the programme shaped their understanding of disaster resilience, community empowerment, and the role of heritage in driving inclusive solutions. From personal growth to collective impact, these testimonials illustrate the value of merging tradition with innovation to build stronger, more connected communities.

DIOGO MIGUEL PINTO

Coordinator of the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, Postgraduate in Geographic Information Systems and Territorial Planning

“The Summer School was an enriching and stimulating experience, allowing us to deepen our knowledge of the connection between risks and heritage, particularly in rural landscapes vulnerable to wildfires and climate change. I truly valued the opportunity to work on concrete case studies and to exchange perspectives with participants from different countries and disciplines. It was an intense week of learning, sharing, and reflecting on innovative ways to promote more resilient and inclusive communities.”

GIDEY GEBREEGZAIBHER GEBREKRSTOS

Master Student at the faculty of Archaeology, University of Warsaw

“Thank you all so much for everything!

It’s truly been a pleasure meeting each of you. Even though I came very late, this experience has been incredibly filled with inspiration, connection, and unforgettable moments. I’m deeply grateful to the organizers and every participant who made this journey so special.”

SONIA MATERA

Researcher in PARATUS project

“Through the Summer School, I had the opportunity to explore the intersections between cultural heritage and disaster risk management. I especially appreciated the interdisciplinary background of both the staff and participants, which enriched our discussions and perspectives. The group work was particularly valuable, as it allowed us to engage hands-on with a specific case study and learn how to develop digital tools in a practical context. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to gain new knowledge, skills, and friendships.”

NINA JEAN-LOUIS

University of Miami

Participating in the RESILIAGE Summer School was truly a transformative experience. From the very beginning, I was struck by the depth of knowledge, lived experience, and diverse perspectives each participant, faculty member, and visiting lecturers brought to the table. It was unlike any program I’ve attended before, where engineers, archeologists, architects, planners, and disaster risk specialists could all sit in the same room and exchange not only methods, but values, challenges, and future direction.

What stood out most to me was the sense of connection. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel alone in the work of trying to bridge heritage and disaster resilience, especially in politically and culturally complex contexts. The candid discussions, moments of enlightenment, and even moments of disagreement all contributed to a powerful learning environment where we could see our work through new lenses.

The visiting lecturers, in particular, played a key role in this. Many of them not only shared their academic expertise but also their field experiences that were inclusive of the challenges, failures, and breakthroughs that shaped their practice. Hearing those stories helped me reframe my own journey and reminded me that this work is as much about navigating uncertainty and humility as it is about strategy and design.

MATILDE DEANDREIS

Post-graduate scholarship researcher, Politecnico di Torino

I am glad I was able to participate this year. The summer school was a great learning experience and the case study was very interesting and challenging. It was wonderful to meet such interesting people from very different backgrounds, one of the many enriching aspects of this experience. The classes were very informative and useful as were the many perspectives and angles brought by the professors.

FRANCESCO PIO FERRAIOLI

Bachelor in heritage and science, University of Salerno

First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the excellent organisation of the summer school. I would also like to highlight that the topics addressed during the programme are of great importance in our world today, as they have become increasingly widespread and relevant. I particularly appreciated the approach that allowed for in-depth exploration of the main theme and the 360-degree case studies.

SARA MOHAMMED MAMON AHMED

MAs, Archaeology and Science, Università Ca’ Foscari Venice

Participating in the summer school “Mobilising Inclusive Heritage Drivers for Disaster Resilient Communities” was a truly enriching experience for me. The programme offered valuable insights into the general concept of risk and how traditions and culture can deeply influence the ways communities deal with disasters.

I especially appreciated the diversity of perspectives shared by the speakers and the hands-on group work on the three different projects. These experiences helped me reflect more deeply on the situation in Sudan and how cultural heritage can play an active role in building community resilience.

During the school, I had the opportunity to present an example from Sudan where, during times of crisis, communities revive old traditions such as establishing tekayas (community kitchens) to provide food and support for people affected by the war. This cultural practice is a powerful form of solidarity and an example of how heritage can be mobilised in times of need.

I am grateful for this opportunity, and I believe the knowledge and discussions I gained will continue to shape my work and research in the future.

2024 Testimonials

In this section, you’ll find testimonials from students who participated in the 2024 programme. Their feedback offers firsthand insights into the impact of their projects on both personal and community levels, empowering women in disaster risk reduction through heritage, and showcasing the profound impact of integrating gender perspectives into resilience-building initiatives.

CÉCILE BRUYET

PhD Researcher, Centre for Urban History, University of Antwerp, Belgium

“During the Summer School, I got hands-on experience on interdisciplinary research by working with a diversity of architects and urban planners while being a historian. It is incredible what we can (and could!) develop in terms of resilience to disasters by sitting together around a table, learning the research language of other disciplines and really working together. Considering the role of women in keeping and transmitting local knowledge and traditional practices, which are known to be valuable in resilience strategies, I learned how important is it that in response we, women in science, make sure that heritage and the role of women in it are brought to the forefront when developing tools of resilience.”

SOFIA DARBESIO

PhD Researcher, Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

““Attending the Summer School was a full immersion in collaboration and diverse perspectives, bringing together heritage, disaster risk reduction, and gender dimensions within a unified research framework. This enriching experience allowed for multiple discussions and insights, particularly through international conversations with colleagues from various backgrounds. Working hand in hand on a real case study allowed us to create a common understanding, overcoming the initial difficulties of interdisciplinary research. Interdisciplinarity was also a key aspect of the teaching curriculum, featuring speakers from different fields – ranging from heritage experts to tool developers – and alternating with workshop and collaborative work sessions. The balance of these elements enabled us to apply the methodology conveyed by the programme and shape a project where the digital tool outlined is an integral part of the research process. Additionally, I was inspired by how women from different professional backgrounds are already making a difference in science. The friendly environment fostered shared exploration, encouraging young researchers to collaborate and shape new ways of working together during this important time of change.”

YUE PAN

PhD Researcher, Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

“What I enjoyed most about the summer school was the unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The “SHEroes Resilience Summer School: Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Reduction through Heritage” further enriched my knowledge by highlighting the intersection of gender and heritage studies. It emphasised the importance of empowering women with the skills and expertise to lead in these areas, particularly in regions prone to natural hazards.

Overall, the RESILIAGE Summer School deepened my appreciation for heritage studies and provided me with the tools and networks to continue contributing to this vital field. I feel more confident and prepared to engage in future projects that aim to protect and celebrate cultural heritage through digital technologies.”

CHRISTY KELDERMAN

Heritage student at the Reinwardt academy in Amsterdam

I applied for the RESILIAGE Summer school because I wanted to extend my knowledge in the field, especially with managing disaster risk reduction, but also cultures and communities.

What I enjoyed most about the summer school was the chance to meet new people from a lot of different countries and the different points of view they brought. I learned a lot from my peers, in addition to everything I learned from the teachers. I looked up to them both.

Some things I learned from them are for example about different organisations and communities and how they could influence disaster risk reduction, but also the emergency response now. I have also learned a lot about gender perspectives on different subjects, which I loved.

Aside from learning this and a lot more, I also feel connected to more important organisations, as they not only tell us about themselves but also give us the chance to ask them questions.

I am very grateful to have contributed to this program and met a lot of intelligent and special people.

2023 Testimonials

In this section, you’ll find testimonials from students who participated in the 2023 programme. Their feedback offers firsthand insights into the impact of their projects on both personal and community levels, highlighting the enriching experience of integrating cultural heritage and technology to build resilient communities.

DARIA BRANCART

Entrepreneur, Researcher at Catholic University of Leuven, Brancart and Ledwon Research Institute

“Summer School became the missing puzzle piece in my research journey.

Initially, I came without specific expectations, hoping only to discover new digital humanities solutions for my ongoing research, as I was building a database and seeking better methods to analyse it. Yet, what I gained far exceeded my hopes. I not only redefined my research, viewing it through fresh lenses, but I also grasped the complete picture I had long been searching for.

Even more significant was finding the perfect direction for my postdoctoral project, a path that now unites three universities, several theatres, and a range of cultural organisations. The Summer School team was truly inspiring and is undoubtedly the heart of the project. Their passion, spark, and love for their work are undeniable and contagious.

Moreover, the Summer School gathered an extraordinary group of participants. It was a genuine pleasure collaborating with them, and we still keep in touch. I am deeply thankful to POLITO team as well as to every SS participant for this unforgettable and transformative experience.”

YUE PAN

PhD Researcher, Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

“Through the RESILIAGE Summer School, I had an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the interdisciplinary fields of cultural heritage, disaster risk reduction, and gender studies.

I acquired valuable skills and insights into the application of digital technology in heritage research. The lectures and workshops, led by internationally renowned experts, addressed critical issues such as restoration, risk prevention, and using digital tools to safeguard tangible and intangible heritage. I was particularly impressed by the coordinators’ deep expertise in cultural heritage preservation and their understanding of heritage-driven community resilience. Their guidance gave me a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in heritage conservation, particularly in disasters.

The summer school on “Heritage-Driven Community Resilience: Six Endangered Cultural Natural Sites” significantly enhanced my understanding of the effective use of digital technologies in heritage studies. It underscored the role these technologies play in ensuring the continuity and transmission of cultural practices, even in the face of environmental threats.”

SAM ALI

Participant in the 2023 edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School; Digital Asset Manager, Queen Mary University of London

In the 2023 edition of the RESILIAGE Summer School, I enjoyed the range of lectures and seminars offered. I was able to gain an insight into the challenges and protective actions at a variety of different partner sites, mostly European. We were able to hear directly from cultural heritage experts working at these sites. As climate change is, perhaps, the biggest threat to our world, I felt it was an important insight to hear how natural disasters threaten cultural heritage and the communities they belong to.

The primary benefit I gained from the course was to think critically about the role of digital tools and cultural heritage in community resilience. The connections between such complex areas do not seem easy to formulate or analyse but I feel I have a better grasp as a result. I also gained some insight into new digital tools that were referenced in the course and which I would like to develop my knowledge in in the future.

As someone who is familiar with digital tools but not a specialist, the course made me aware of the necessity for overlapping expertise in the fields of digital, heritage and community to have meaningful effect in the real world using digital tools. It also made me think about how to define community and the need for a good understanding of this concept. Overall, the course made me feel I need to learn much more.

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. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.