Preserving history through innovation: CHII Conference in Dubrovnik explores cultural heritage technology

CHII Conference Organizing Committee (from left to right: Izzy Moyer, Dr. David Messinger, Dr. Juilee Decker, Roger Easton Jr., Dr. Francis Brassard, Dr. Irena Guszak)

From March 25 to 28, 2025, Dubrovnik—renowned for its rich history and commitment to preservation—played host to the inaugural Cultural Heritage Imaging & Innovation (CHII) Conference. Co-organized by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and RIT Croatia, this groundbreaking event brought together scholars, technologists, and cultural heritage professionals from across the globe to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in cultural heritage preservation.

A vision for the future

The idea for CHII was born from years of collaboration. Dr. Irena Guszak, President and Dean of RIT Croatia, emphasized the significance of the event in advancing historical artifact imaging in the region.

“After launching MISHA (Multispectral Imaging System for Historical Artifacts) at the Dubrovnik State Archives in 2023, we wanted to expand discussions on how this technology could shape the future of cultural heritage preservation. The response to CHII confirmed that Dubrovnik is well-positioned to become a hub for this kind of work.”

Dr. Irena Guszak, RIT Croatia President and Dean at the CHII Conference opening

Dr. David Messinger, Professor at RIT’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, echoed these sentiments, highlighting CHII as a milestone in RIT’s ongoing mission to merge technology with cultural preservation.

“CHII was a natural next step, allowing us to bring together scholars, practitioners, and technologists to create a broader conversation. Our goal isn’t just to develop technology—it’s to ensure that it is being used effectively to reveal, preserve, and share history in ways that matter to museums, archives, libraries, and the communities they serve,” Dr. Messinger explained.

Dubrovnik: More than a backdrop

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik was more than just a setting for CHII—it was a case study in itself. The conference venues, including the Visia Theatre Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik State Archives in Sponza Palace, and RIT Croatia’s campus, offered attendees a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities of preserving historically significant environments.

“Bringing cultural heritage imaging discussions to a city that embodies history made the experience truly immersive,” Dr. Guszak noted. “Dubrovnik’s institutions house invaluable artifacts, and the combination of local heritage and advanced technology created a perfect synergy.”

CHII Conference poster presentations

A distinguished gathering with Croatian support

CHII’s interdisciplinary nature attracted a diverse audience, including historians, scientists, museum professionals, archivists, and technologists from North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Notably, the conference also received strong local support, with key Croatian officials participating in its opening.

The mayor of Dubrovnik and RIT Croatia graduate Mato Franković welcomed attendees, emphasizing the city’s dedication to merging tradition with innovation.

“This conference addresses important topics that are already well known in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is not only a city that preserves its history but also one that embraces innovation to enhance the way we care for its cultural treasures,” said Mayor Franković, highlighting successful city projects like Du Pass, which combine cultural heritage with the application of new technologies.

Anuška Deranja Crnokić, Director of the Directorate for Archives, Libraries, and Museums at the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, also addressed the gathering, underlining the ministry’s commitment to supporting cultural heritage initiatives that incorporate advanced technologies.

Looking ahead: CHII’s lasting impact

While CHII 2025 was a major milestone, it’s only the beginning. Dr. Guszak highlighted promising collaborations for expanding MISHA’s capabilities across the region, while Dr. Messinger confirmed that the next CHII conference will take place in Rochester in 2026, with discussions underway to bring CHII 2027 to Zagreb, coinciding with RIT Croatia’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.

About RIT Croatia
RIT Croatia has been delivering top American degree programs in Croatia since 1997. With its two campuses, in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, this is the only US College in the country and it is the only institution for higher education granting two diplomas to its students – an American diploma, awarded by RIT, and a Croatian diploma, awarded by RIT Croatia. RIT Croatia graduates work all over the world – from the EU countries to Australia and the US. International students come from all over the world but most of them come from the U.S. Some come from the main campus of Rochester, but a lot of Americans come from Croatian Diaspora communities in cities such as San Jose, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York, Toronto, Mississauga, Cleveland, and many more. For more information, contact: admissions@croatia.rit.edu

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