The kick-off meeting of the interdisciplinary research project MATRES – Material Resilience in Times of Environmental and Social Change (2025–2030) took place on 11 February 2026 at the National Museum of Slovenia, marking an important step in strengthening heritage science research partnerships within GreenHer CoE.
Funded by the University of Ljubljana, MATRES brings together research partners actively involved in Pilot 4 of the Research Core II of GreenHer, delivering research while utilising the research infrastructure to be developed by GreenHer, such as the GreenHer Archaeology Lab, making MATRES fully aligned with Pilot 4.
The project is coordinated by Prof Dr Matija Črešnar at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana and GreenGer Research Core II Lead, and involves researchers from several University of Ljubljana faculties, including the Biotechnical Faculty, the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, alongside numerous national and international heritage institutions. These collaborations reflect the interdisciplinary research model that lies at the core of the GreenHer Centre of Excellence.
A key technological contribution of MATRES is the development of a multi-level digital twin platform for cultural heritage, designed as an open research environment integrating datasets, computational models, simulations, and visualisation tools. This work is led by Dr Hend Mahgoub from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Ljubljana, and aligns with Pilot 7 of the Research Core IV.
By investigating long-term relationships between societies, materials, and the environment — from the beginning of the Holocene to the present — MATRES directly supports GreenHer’s strategic research priorities, particularly the development of sustainable heritage management approaches, and advanced digital infrastructures for heritage research.
With a total value of €2.275 million, MATRES represents an important contribution to the research portfolio associated with the GreenHer Centre of Excellence. The project strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, supports the development of shared research infrastructure, and reinforces the international visibility of heritage science research in Slovenia and internationally.