Theme:
2. Archaeological Sciences, Humanities and the Digital era: Bridging the Gaps
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
Trajectories of AI in Archaeological Heritage: Geographies, Innovations, Future-Making, and (In)Justices
Content:
This session aims to discuss applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in archaeological heritage research and practice. In the last few years, these applications have increased in number and kind. To name just a few of several possible examples, they have included work to identify looted artefacts, detect unknown heritage sites, decipher ancient languages, facilitate access to heritage, understand visitor experiences at heritage sites, and interpret collections through the recent developments of generative AI. Intergovernmental organisations such as the European Union or UNESCO are starting to define specific regulations and common ethical approaches for AI use in all aspects of life. However, the potential and challenges posed by AI for archaeological heritage research, management and interpretation are yet to be conceptualised and understood fully.
We invite papers that present and discuss past, present, and future (potential) applications of AI within archaeological heritage. Contributions will focus on either or both: (1) methodological innovations and challenges, and (2) the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence for people and the planet. We welcome reflections on applications of AI within different geo-political contexts, internationally, and within different societal or community contexts (communities of place, interest, practice, etc.).
Our session hopes to provide an arena for debating answers to four questions:
(1) How has the use of AI changed over the past few years, and what futures could AI help to build in the field of archaeological heritage?
(2) What research and practice-based agendas are impacted by and impact the development of AI?
(3) What ethical ‘emergencies’ should be foregrounded?
(4) What epistemic injustices may derive from the use of AI in archaeological heritage? Through what theoretical lenses can we explore them?
By fostering dialogue on these critical issues, we hope to create a dynamic environment to collectively advance our understanding of AI's role in archaeological heritage.
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Innovation, Ethics, Future-making
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
Chiara Bonacchi (United Kingdom) 1
Co-organisers:
Anna Maria Marras (Italy) 2
Arturo Rey da Silva (United Kingdom) 1
Affiliations:
1. University of Edinburgh
2. Università di Torino
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