Advanced Materials, Optoelectronics, and Digital Ecosystems for Heritage Science and Beyond

The 2nd International Conference on Optoelectronics and Heritage Science OPTO-HS 2026 (Bucharest, Romania) will be discussing cultural heritage institutions increasingly relying on non-destructive analytical and digital tools for conservation, authentication, monitoring, and prediction. Despite significant progress, current practices remain challenged by fragmented methodologies, limited interoperability, or insufficient standardization of data and protocols. By merging advanced optoelectronics, computational analysis, and immersive digital tools, a unified framework can be created, that can enhance scientific understanding. At the same time, conservation science demands practical, field-ready solutions, robust authentication methodologies, and FAIR-compliant data infrastructures to ensure long-term accessibility and interoperability. In the spirit of Optoelectronics and Heritage Science OPTO-HS 2026, this Research Topic aims to unite these parallel development lines into a single platform, to boost innovation in diagnostic materials and techniques, strengthen translational workflows from laboratory to field practice, and accelerate integration of optoelectronic techniques, computational modelling, and immersive environments into heritage science. It seeks contributions that demonstrate how interdisciplinary bridges – linking physics, material science, conservation, archaeology, digital humanities – can reshape current methodologies and open new conceptual and technological pathways that reach beyond the boundaries of heritage science. Submissions are encouraged on, but not limited to, the following topics:• Development and testing new materials and techniques for the conservation of cultural heritage • Practical implementation: transferring lab knowledge to conservation fieldwork. Case studies • Current methods and methodologies for dating and authentication of heritage • Technological advances in Optoelectronics focused on Heritage Science applications • Interdisciplinary topics/ bridges. Optoelectronics as a link across disciplines in HS • Advances in computational analysis and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data management within Heritage Science • ER/AR, cognitive digital twins and immersive tools • Beyond Heritage ScienceTogether, the contributions to this Research Topic will accelerate innovation and support the development of next-generation methodologies, tools, and practices that will shape the future landscape for heritage research and conservation. Topic editors: Ghervase Luminita, Xueshi Bai Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85923/advanced-materials-optoelectronics-and-digital-ecosystems-for-heritage-science-and-beyond