Thematic Session 3

THEMATIC SESSION #03

Bruno Rodríguez García

University of Burgos

• brunorg@ubu.es

Carola Gatto

University of Salento

• carola.gatto@unisalento.it

Federica Faggiano

Sapienza University of Rome

• federica.faggiano@uniroma1.it

Marco Calò

Sapienza University of Rome

• marco.calo@uniroma1.it

Extended Reality technologies are increasingly reshaping the way archaeological heritage is conserved, interpreted, and managed. By enabling immersive visualisation, data integration, and interactive exploration, XR creates new opportunities to connect physical remains with digital knowledge. XR-based environments that combine 3D models, spatial information, and archaeological documentation support a wide range of activities, from site recording and conservation planning to interpretation and education. This session explores recent research and innovative applications of XR in archaeology, both in museum settings and directly on archaeological sites. Contributors to this session will highlight new approaches that enable virtual reconstructions grounded in documented evidence, advanced spatial analysis, and simulation, while also opening up new forms of storytelling, accessibility, and public engagement. Special attention is given to papers that discuss the integration of diverse archaeological data (3D surveys, photogrammetry, laser scanning, GIS data or stratigraphic information) within immersive and interactive environments. The session also addresses key challenges related to data standardisation, interoperability and the long-term sustainability of digital archaeological resources.

Bruno Rodríguez García is researcher and lecturer at the University of Burgos (Spain). His research focuses mainly on the virtual reconstruction and dissemination of Cultural Heritage applications of Immersive Virtual Reality, his PhD topic. Has published numerous articles and book chapters on the same topics and has presented several papers at international conferences. He is a member of XRAI LAb, part of the ADMIRABLE research group at the University of Burgos.

Carola Gatto is Assistant Professor (RTD-A) in Classical Archaeology at the Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Salento, and a researcher at the Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory (AVR Lab). She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Heritage Sciences from the University of Salento. Her research interests focus on archaeological data representation, digital curation in museums, augmented and virtual reality for cultural heritage, and the relationship between museums and well-being. She is the author of several scientific publications. She is a member of the Italian ICOM Working Group “Multimedia and Emerging Technologies” and currently coordinates the Young Researchers Group at the Digital Humanities Centre of the University of Salento.

Federica Faggiano is a PhD student in the National Doctoral Program in Heritage Science at Sapienza University of Rome (Italy). She gained research experience as a research fellow at the AVR Lab (Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory) of the Department of Innovation Engineering at the University of Salento, where she contributed to projects aimed at enhancing access to cultural heritage. In this field, she is the author of several scientific publications. She is currently committed to making cultural heritage more inclusive, accessible, and engaging through the use of technology. Her research interests lie within the Digital Humanities, with a particular focus on digital curation of archaeological contexts through innovative technologies.

Marco Calò is an archaeologist specializing in Classical Archaeology, registered as ‘Archaeologist - Category I’ in the Italian National Register of Cultural Heritage Professionals. He is currently a PhD student in the National Doctoral Program in Heritage Science at Sapienza University of Rome. His current research, carried out at the Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory (AVR Lab) of the Department of Innovation Engineering at the University of Salento, focuses on the application of new technologies to the cultural heritage sector, aimed at studying and enhancing the archaeological heritage of the Salento region. He pays particular attention to the Hellenistic landscapes of Messapia, with the goal of developing innovative and immersive methods of cultural engagement.