From 21 to 25 September 2026, Ljubljana has become a meeting point for leading international experts in Egyptology, heritage science, conservation, museum studies and cultural heritage management as the Slovenian-Egyptian Heritage Science Platform (SloveNile) convenes its fifth international colloquium. Scholars, museum professionals, conservators and researchers from Egypt, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Belgium and Slovenia will gather for five days of lectures, workshops, discussions and field visits dedicated to the study, conservation and interpretation of Egyptian heritage.
The event is organised within the framework of the Slovenian-Egyptian Heritage Science Platform (SloveNile) and several international research initiatives, including the ASCON and TRACE-INK projects, under the patronage of UNESCO. As a key partner and host institution, the Centre of Excellence in Green Heritage Science (GreenHer) continues its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary heritage research and sustainable preservation practices.
Among the distinguished international guests are some of the world’s leading figures in Egyptology and heritage studies, including Dr Christian Greco, Director of the Museo Egizio in Turin and Chair of the ICOM International Committee for Egyptology; Prof Dr Tarek Tawfik, Director of the International Association of Egyptologists and former Director of the Grand Egyptian Museum; Prof Dr Mamdouh Eldamaty, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities and Head of the Department of Archaeological Science and Excavations at Ain Shams University; Prof Dr El-Sayed Mahfouz of Kuwait University; Prof Dr Maher Eissa, Member-at-Large of the International Association of Coptic Studies; Prof Dr Umar Ryad of KU Leuven; Prof Dr Louay Said, Director of the Center for Coptic Studies at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; and Prof Dr Mladen Tomorad, Professor of Egyptology at the University of Zagreb.
A central theme of SloveNile V is the exploration of Egyptian heritage already preserved in Slovenia and the opportunities it presents for research, conservation and public engagement. Particular attention will be given to the remarkable Egyptian sarcophagi in Vipava dating to the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties, the recently identified private Coptic textile collection of architect Milan Kovač, the Oriental heritage of Villa Rafut and Jelšingrad Manor, and Egyptian artefacts held in Slovenian museums and collections. The colloquium aims to address an important question: how can Egyptian and wider Oriental heritage in Slovenia be responsibly researched, conserved, interpreted and made meaningful for future generations?
The programme combines public outreach with specialist discussions. Participants will engage in public lectures, expert panels, a workshop on Coptic textiles, sessions on museum collections and heritage management, and field visits to heritage sites and collections in Ljubljana, Novo Mesto, Nova Gorica and Vipava. A highlight will be the final colloquium day on 25 September, hosted at the National Gallery in Ljubljana, focusing on ethical conservation, sustainable management and the future stewardship of Egyptian heritage in Slovenia.
For GreenHer, the colloquium represents an important opportunity to showcase the value of heritage science in addressing complex cultural heritage challenges. Through collaboration between scientists, conservators, historians, museum professionals and source communities, the event promotes innovative and sustainable approaches to heritage research, conservation and management. It also strengthens international cooperation between Slovenian and Egyptian institutions and contributes to broader discussions on ethical stewardship, cultural sustainability and public engagement.
SloveNile V is organised in cooperation with numerous Slovenian and international partners, including the Centre of Excellence in Green Heritage Science (GreenHer), the Heritage Science Laboratory Ljubljana, the University of Ljubljana, Ain Shams University, the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, E-RIHS Slovenia, ZRC SAZU, the Slovenian Museum Association, and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Primorska, among others.
The colloquium underscores Slovenia’s growing role as a centre for interdisciplinary heritage science and international collaboration, while highlighting the importance of preserving and understanding Egyptian heritage beyond its country of origin. Through GreenHer’s involvement, the event further demonstrates how scientific research can support the sustainable protection and interpretation of cultural heritage for society.