Based on the scientific results and findings of the international symposium on the digitization of cultural heritage, the knowledge economy, as well as the digitization of natural heritage and the reconstruction of the ancient environment in its 2023 and 2025 editions, a team composed of experts from the Mediterranean Architecture Laboratory (L.A.M) at the University of Sétif 1, the Directorate for the Management and Exploitation of Protected Cultural Properties of the Timgad Site and Museum, the Zana, Medghassen, and Tabna sites, along with experts from the University of Batna 1, visited the Tifeste - Tébessa sites to carry out a project for the digitization of certain monuments of the archaeological site and to create digital copies to preserve and protect them. We had the honor of meeting our friend and colleague, Lotfi Azeddine, the curator of the Tébessa Sites Museum, who supported the team throughout the working days. Together, we digitized the Temple of Minerva, the arch, parts of the Byzantine wall, and the tombs of Mersest. This initiative strengthens the achievements of the Algerian state, highlighting highly qualified national expertise and contributing to the enrichment of the national database of the digital archive of archaeological monuments, which are at risk of disappearance at any time for various reasons, mainly natural ones...

Ferhat Abbas University Sétif 1 is organizing an international conference on:
"The Role of Digital Technologies in the Documentation, Preservation, and Diagnosis of Cultural Heritage," represented by the Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, the proceedings of the international conference titled:
"The Role of Digital Technologies in the Documentation, Preservation, and Diagnosis of Cultural Heritage,"
organized by the Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences at Ferhat Abbas University Sétif 1, began under the supervision of the University Director, Professor Mohamed El Hadi LATRACHE, accompanied by the Director of the Institute, Professor Moulay Charef CHABOU.

This event brought together several prominent figures, including vice-rectors, deans of faculties, directors of institutes, representatives from specialized institutions, as well as academic, scientific, and administrative staff from the Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, in addition to teachers, researchers, and students.

Opening Ceremony:
The festivities began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the listening of the national anthem. Following this, the conference president, Professor Bousnina Mounia, delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the importance and objectives of the event, aligned with the ambitions of the fourth generation of universities 4.0.

The Director of the Institute, Professor Moulay Charef CHABOU, emphasized the main topics of the conference, particularly the contribution of digitization to heritage management and documentation, the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, as well as case studies on the digitization of archaeological, natural, and built heritage, along with the legislation and development perspectives for heritage management in the digital age.

In his speech, the University Director emphasized the significance of the theme, related to cultural heritage and human legacy. He expressed optimism about preserving this heritage through digital footprints and databases that can be used in various future projects. He also encouraged the formulation of concrete recommendations at the end of the conference to support the University of the Future, University 4.0.

Conference Objectives:

• Develop a digital methodology for handling cultural heritage.
• Encourage the exchange of scientific and professional experiences.
• Inventory cultural heritage objects requiring restoration.
• Compare different methodologies used for diagnosing built heritage.
• Promote and coordinate research studies through education, documentation, and awareness on architectural and cultural heritage.
• Explore the use of digital technologies in the preservation and monitoring of research projects related to cultural heritage.

For more details, please visit the dedicated conference page on the following website:

https://ocs.univ-setif.dz/ICRRDT24/ICRRDT24

Student Ben Aissa Idris from the Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences - Ferhat Abbas University Sétif 1, secured third place in the National University Graphic Design Competition, organized by Ferhat Abbas University Sétif 1.

Congratulations to Ben Aissa Idris!