Centre for Heritage Conservation Studies and Technologies (KDWT)

Heritage conservation at Bamberg University is defined as a theoretically-founded discipline at the interface between theory and practice. The unique selling point of the university's Centre for Heritage Conservation Studies and Technologies (KDWT), which was established in 2016, is its broad interdisciplinary orientation, which makes use of expertise from the humanities, engineering and materials sciences.

The combination of empirical, theoretical, conceptual, and technological knowledge and methods practiced at the KDWT is based on the common goal of interdisciplinary research into the multifaceted subject areas of cultural heritage and monuments preservation, and on the shared aim of communicating their social relevance. In this way, we make a significant contribution to the university's overall research focus on the Analysis and Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

Our core tasks include deepening the transfer of knowledge and technology to non-university institutions, expanding technical competence and expanding the range of courses offered. Four independent divisions (Heritage Conservation, Building Archaeology, Building Preservation Sciences, and Digital Conservation Technologies) reflect the different aspects and specific concerns and approaches that comprise the larger field of heritage conservation.

Further detailed information on our activities can be found in the series "Berichte des KDWT" (Reports of the KDWT), the first volume of which was published in 2019 (Bamberg University Press; reporting period 2016-2018). The report is available for download here.