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Within the framework of the Operational Program “Digital Transformation” of the NSRF 2021–2027, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) successfully designed and implemented the project: “Showcasing the Cultural Content of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence.”

Objectives and Funding

The main objective of the project was the digitization, documentation, and promotion of the School’s rich cultural and scientific resources through the use of advanced digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
The project, with OPS code 6004550 and a total budget of €1,048,387.10 (before VAT), was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Hellenic Republic.
Implementation was undertaken by a consortium of companies (MainSys, Master, Talent, EPISEY, DATOPTRON), while the Athena Research Center provided consulting support.

Key Achievements

• Digitization & Documentation: Over 308,377 cultural items from three major collections were digitized and thoroughly documented, including:

  • 84,000 items from the Heinrich Schliemann Papers, Correspondence.

  • 221,877 items from the Ancient Corinth Excavation Archive.

  • 2,500 complex items from the Scrapbook Collection of the Gennadius Library.

• Digital Repository & Connectivity: The ASCSA Digital Repository was created with automated metadata enrichment supported by Artificial Intelligence, and with links to the National Digital Library and Europeana. (collections.ascsa.edu.gr).

• Digital Exhibitions Platform: A digital platform was developed for creating narrative and multimedia online exhibitions, with three fully curated exhibitions already available from the above collections.

• Participatory Platforms:

  • The crowdsourcing platform (crowdheritage.eu) enhanced the participation of the scholarly and local community in the interpretation of cultural material.

  • The iSkavo application, an open-source tool, was developed for recording archaeological data directly in the field.

• Equipment & Training: Significant digital equipment and software were acquired, along with training programs for staff.

This pioneering project sets new standards in the management and promotion of cultural heritage. Through the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies, and with its international presence, the ASCSA strengthens its role as an international research center while maintaining a dynamic relationship with both the academic community and the wider public.
The project confirms that Artificial Intelligence can serve as a catalyst for generating new knowledge, advancing research in the field of Culture, and further highlighting Greek cultural heritage on a global scale.

For more information, please contact the ASCSA Communications Office.