From October 5 to 9, 2026, the 22nd School of Computer Graphics and AI for Cultural Heritage and Science will take place at the INAF Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory. It is organized by the INAF Extended and Immersive Technologies Team, INAF Play and Game Team, CINECA VisitLab, INAF Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory, and INAF Palermo Astronomical Observatory.
Registrations close on August 30, 2026.
Both admitted and non-admitted candidates will be informed by September 8, 2026.
The link to register is the following:
WARNING! Once registered, you should receive a confirmation email. If this does not happen, it means the registration WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. In this case, please send an email to laura.daricello@inaf.it and I will check.
The school is completely free of charge, thanks to the support of the INAF SD.
Rationale:
In a world dominated by images, raw data often appears boring and difficult to understand. Data Visualization can make data of any size and type simpler and more appealing, thanks to the synthesis capabilities of 2D and 3D images. Furthermore, it allows for the immediate identification of phenomena and trends that remain invisible upon initial data analysis. For 21 years, the Graphic Visualization Laboratory of the High Performance Computing Center at Cineca (VisitLab Cineca) has organized a school dedicated to computer graphics techniques, aimed at teaching how to transform complex data into visual data and introducing participants to creating applications for studying and communicating cultural content and scientific data through stories, images, videos, and innovative applications.
Since the 2025 edition, the school has been organized in collaboration with INAF, with contributions from its Scientific Directorate. It has opened up specifically to scientific content and data, featuring the participation of INAF instructors and students while highlighting the new synergies between Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence.
The intensive 5-day course will be held in Italian and is aimed at researchers, students, and graduates. It introduces participants to 3D reconstruction, AI tools, VR and AR, as well as technological methodologies and tools dedicated to modeling, processing, and integrating virtual reconstructions into real-time spatial systems or computer graphics (web, desktop, mobile). It includes hands-on activities with Blender (modeling, shading, texturing, animation), Web3D, and the use of artificial intelligence solutions for the fields of science and Cultural Heritage.
The training activity is designed within the framework of the digital transition of Public Administration and includes a final skills assessment. The certificate issued attests to attendance and passing the final exam. Participants may use this documentation for potential training activity recognition by their home organization, according to current regulations and internal procedures.
Preliminary Scientific Program
Visualization of scientific data
3D modeling of cultural scenarios following an open graphic workflow based on Blender
Cultural scenarios and cross-media approaches, with special focus on 3D Web
Design of digital ecosystems for managing and processing cultural and/or scientific data using AI systems, computer graphics animation, augmented reality apps, as well as interactive and immersive virtual environments.
Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC):
Giulio Capasso, Laura Daricello, Maria Teresa Fulco, Antonella Guidazzoli, Laura Leonardi, Maria Chiara Liguori, Agatino Rifatto
Local Organizing Committee (LOC):
Maria Teresa Fulco, Modestino Iafanti, Salvatore Liguori
The course will be conducted in Italian.
Participation is free and reserved for a maximum of 25 participants, who will be selected based on experience and qualifications.
Further Info
October 5, 2026
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
INAF Auditorium – Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory, Naples
Accredited training event
Follow the reference page for the latest updates on the event:
AI, Science & Heritage Day
New Languages for Research, Communication, Outreach, and Enhancement of Cultural and Scientific Heritage
The 22nd School of Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage and Science, organized by INAF and VISITLab – CINECA, will open with the public event "AI, Science & Heritage Day", dedicated to the most innovative applications of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and immersive technologies for research, scientific communication, and the enhancement of cultural and scientific heritage.
The initiative is free and open to everyone. The event constitutes training activity within the framework of the digital transition of Public Administration. The certificate attests to actual attendance and passing the final skills assessment test. Any official recognition of training hours remains under the authority of the participant’s home administration.
To participate, registration is required at the following link:
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
8:30 – 9:00 Participant Registration
9:00 – 9:20 Presentation of the 22nd School of Computer Graphics and AI for Cultural Heritage and Science
SESSION I: Research, Immersive Technologies, and New Languages of Knowledge
9.20 – 9.40
From Scientific Research to Immersive Experiences: Extended Reality as a New Language for Science Communication – Laura Daricello (Head of Extended and Immersive Technologies Team – INAF)
9.40 – 10.00
The VisitLab CINECA Experience: From Artificial Intelligence to Data Visualization for Cultural Heritage and Science – Antonella Guidazzoli (Head of VisitLab – CINECA)
10.00 – 10.20
Communicating the Universe: The PLAY INAF Experience (with Case Studies) – Maura Sandri (Head of Play & Game Team – INAF)
10.20 – 10.40
CosmoVideo: New Audiovisual Languages to Tell the Story of the Universe – Daniele De Luca (VISITLab CINECA)
10.40 – 11.10 Coffee Break
11.10 – 11.30
From Data to the Universe: Exploring the Cosmos with 3DMAP VR – Salvatore Orlando (INAF – 3DMAP VR)
11.30 – 11.50
Visualizing the Universe in Planetariums: Between Scientific Rigor and Immersive Experience – Sandro Bardelli (Head of Planetariums Team – INAF)
SESSION II: Digital Creativity: When Technology, Art, and Innovation Meet
11.50 – 12.30
Animated Cinema in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Naples and the Case of Cinderella the Cat (Gatta Cenerentola) – MAD Entertainment
12.30 – 13.00
Generative Artificial Intelligence: New Opportunities for Culture, Creativity, and Research Communication – Maria Chiara Liguori, Daniele De Luca (VisitLab – CINECA)
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14.00 – 17.00
SESSION III: 8th Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Heritage, Art, and Science
Curated by VisitLab – CINECA
The workshop will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming research, communication, and engagement with cultural heritage. Through contributions from institutions, research centers, and museums, national strategies, case studies, and innovative applications will be presented.
17.00 – 17.30 Final Learning Assessment Test