5 reasons why to come to the ANCHISE Final Forum

The final forum stands as the ultimate opportunity to reflect on three years of achievements, innovative tools, and groundbreaking progress in fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Through rich exchanges blending its consolidated transdisciplinary network, the event also aims at preparing the ground for future collective actions. Drawing on the legacy of the first forum held on April 3, 2024, at the Palais des Académies in Brussels, and the numerous webinars and demonstrations held in 2024 and 2025, this last gathering is expected to showcase results and to solidify the long-term impact of the project.

But, really: why should you come?

• Experience cutting-edge technology in action

ANCHISE has developed six innovative technological tools specifically designed to looting and illicit trafficking of cultural goods. From detection systems using satellite imagery and 3D photogrammetry for site monitoring to advanced object identification and traceability solutions, Spectral Fluorescence Signature (SFS) for authentication, the toolkit aims at strengthening site protection, identification and border control systems for detecting illicit artifacts.

Day 1 features an exclusive Tech Experience Roundtable where developers from leading European research centers and innovative companies will present hands-on demonstrations and share technical insights. This is a rare opportunity to see the results of the tools development and understand how they bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical field applications. Participants will gain firsthand knowledge of how detection tools, monitoring  and advanced data engineering are transforming the fight against cultural heritage trafficking.

• Join a unique transdisciplinary network

The forum brings together a rare convergence of professionals across multiple sectors. Policy makers from key European institutions work alongside law enforcement officials from multiple countries, museum professionals from ICOM networks across Europe, archaeologists and researchers from leading universities, and tech innovators developing next-generation heritage protection tools.

The first Brussels forum in April 2024 proved the power of this model. It is now being taken it further with six dedicated roundtables covering research, technological innovation, data engineering, policy, training, and community engagement. Day 1 includes a dedicated Practitioner Needs Roundtable where end-users share real-world feedback from museums professionals, archaeologist, and law enforcement officers involved in the experimentation process. This multidisciplinary environment creates a thriving space for exchanging insights, discussing challenges, and building cross-sector alliances that extend far beyond the event itself.

• Gain strategic insights on data and policy

Day 2 explores the critical data ecosystem that underpins effective heritage protection. Discussions will address data interconnection standards for heritage information, interoperability with major databases like Europeana, CARARE, and INTERPOL, and how FAIR data principles apply to cultural heritage. The session also examines synergies with other EU-funded projects, bringing together representatives from national ministries of culture, European aggregators, and Commission services to share their experiences and visions for a more connected heritage information landscape.

Day 3 shifts focus to policy and impact, featuring updated policy recommendations that build on the Brussels forum and incorporate three years of project learning. A high-level Policy Session brings together representatives from various European institutions  to discuss how ANCHISE tools and methods can be integrated into European and national policy frameworks.

Some pictures from our International Symposium in Poitiers, France (October 2023)

• Learn from training best practices & community engagement

The Training Professionals session on Day 3 addresses one of ANCHISE's core objectives: developing European standards for heritage protection training. Drawing on experiences from multiple countries, the discussion covers how training programmes can be adapted to different contexts while maintaining common quality standards. Topics include certification and competency recognition frameworks, partnerships between cultural institutions and law enforcement, and the prospects for creating a European network of trainers.

The Community Engagement and Awareness session explores the often-overlooked civic dimension of heritage protection. Field experiences demonstrate how collaboration with local communities can transform archaeological site protection. Investigative the role of the journalist, researcher or cultural mediator in exposing trafficking networks and raising public awareness receives attention. This bottom-up approach, central to ANCHISE's philosophy, recognizes that sustainable heritage protection requires engaged civil society.

ANCHISE engages people from communities: here is some photographical proof

• Build lasting partnerships & shape the future

Beyond the formal sessions, the forum provides extensive networking opportunities during coffee breaks, poster sessions featuring young researchers, and evening events. Dedicated Q&A sessions after each roundtable facilitate cross-sector dialogue, allowing participants to deepen connections and explore collaborative possibilities.

The forum provides a unique platform to form new partnerships across borders and disciplines, identify funding opportunities for follow-up initiatives, and access ANCHISE resources and guidelines that can be implemented in your own institution. By joining the long-term ANCHISE network, which connects 15 partner organizations and over 150 practitioners across Europe, participants become part of a sustained effort to combat heritage crime. Whether you're seeking expertise, latest research results, technical partners for tool implementation, policy allies for advocacy, or training collaborators, this forum offers the concentrated opportunity to translate project outcomes into lasting impact.

Practical Information:

📅 When: January 14-16, 2026

📍 Where: Athens, Greece (Panepistimiou 22, Athina 105 64) + Online streaming 

How to register: more information here

Can't attend in person? The forum will be streamed online with interactive Q&A opportunities, ensuring that geographical distance doesn't prevent you from participating in this pivotal event.