Not just the weather was glorious in Vienna at the beginning of September, also the spirits were high when a crowd of around 200 global experts gathered for the inaugural DTI – Digitise.Transform.Inspire conference on 1–2 September 2025 to explore how digitisation, AI, and international collaboration are transforming archives. Led by ICA President Josée Kirps and ICARUS’s Thomas Aigner, the event featured keynotes from Europeana’s Harry Verwayen and FamilySearch’s Torsten Kux, and workshops and panel discussions on AI, sustainability, and ethics.

A major highlight was the signing of the DTI Declaration, uniting ICARUS, ICA, Europeana, FamilySearch, Time Machine Organisation, Transkribus, AI4LAM, and CBG in a shared commitment to responsible innovation in archives.

The DTI initiative is setting a new benchmark for global cooperation in preserving the past and inspiring the future - stay tuned for more! 

"If the Topotheque didn’t exist, it would have to be invented!"

With an impressive 2,000,000 uploaded entries, the Topotheque, ICARUS' platform for local and regional history sources, has reached another milestone. Since its founding in 2008, more than 3,000 volunteer topothecarians in over 450 municipalities in Austria and beyond have contributed countless historical photos, videos, and documents that help keep regional identity alive.

Whether it’s the legendary Bonanza bike of the 1970s, a glimpse into a traditional home butchering on a farm, or a cheerful family celebration in 1968 at the village inn - all these memories find a safe and accessible place in the digital treasure chests of the Topotheque. Countless gems, especially from private albums, shoeboxes, and old film reels, become visible only thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

Since its beginnings in Lower Austria, the platform has expanded far beyond the borders of the province. The Topotheque connects people, local history, and modern technology to preserve memories for future generations. Anyone worldwide can rediscover their roots, family history, or cultural highlights with just a click.

“Nothing is unimportant, because time and again, a faded, unremarkable photo has unexpectedly become a source of private nostalgia for someone else,” explains Alexander Schatek, founder of the Topotheque. “By embedding a Topotheque into community life, we build a bridge between generations, both online and offline. Whether at Topotheque cafés, lectures, or school events—memories come alive and are preserved.”

The Topotheque is a successful example of how citizen science creates a living mosaic of collective memory - a virtual place where history becomes visible, tangible, and accessible to everyone.

With our 35th ICARUS Convention approaching (12–14 November 2025 at the State Archives of Venice (Archivio di Stato di Venezia)) we'd like to kindly remind you of the upcoming deadline on 15 October 2025.

Call for Papers:

While centred on medieval charters and their digitisation, the scope of the Convention embraces a wider spectrum of archival digitisation, digital methods, AI/blockchain applications, paleography, and more.

Topics for presentations may include (but are not limited to):
 - Databases for archival sources
 - Digital technologies for research, study, and conservation
 - Digitisation workflows and case studies
 - AI and blockchain in archival collections
 - Technologies supporting paleography and diplomatics

Presentations can be given in English or Italian

Proposals for presentations (approx. 20 min) shall be submitted via e-mail to as-ve.eventi(at)cultura.gov.it, clearly stating your name, institution, the title of your presentation, and an abstract.

Submission deadline: 15 October 2025

Funding & logistics:

Mobility grants may be available for ICARUS members, who are speakers at the Convention; application deadline: 15 October 2025

Our friends in Venice compiled a detailed list of accommodation and restaurant suggestions, as well as guides on how to reach the Convention venue and Venice in general (information is available in English and Italian). Find it here.

Registration will open in mid-October - stay tuned!

As you may know, the ICA Congress in Barcelona will take place from 27 to 30 October.

The EURBICA General Assembly will be held as a side event, and if you have not yet registered, there is still time to do so until mid-October using the link below.

When: 27 October, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Where: Archive of the Crown of Aragon, Carrer dels Comtes, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

Following the Assembly, participants are warmly invited to join a guided tour of the Archive, kindly hosted by the Spanish State Archives, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Please complete the pre-registration form to confirm your attendance at the EURBICA General Assembly by 15 October.

The MetaHeritage project ("Metaverse and Heritage Routes as Innovative Approaches for Networking, Capacity Building and Interregional Investments”) is an EU-funded initiative that aims to strengthen innovation in cultural heritage, especially using digital technologies, across different European regions. The project now invites cultural institutions to become part of an interactive community to foster sustainable cultural heritage development through digital innovation and cross-regional cooperation.

What's in it for you?

 - Gain visibility by being featured on the interactive MetaHeritage Map.

 - Connect with experts and institutions across Europe.

 - Access practical tools, resources, and best practices to enhance your projects.

 - Contribute to the development of future heritage policies and practices.

Participation is free of charge.

To take part:

> Complete the MetaHeritage questionnaire.
> Register to join the MetaHeritage community platform.

All ICARUS community members are most welcome to share their news, updates, events, etc. with us to distribute them further. Just get in touch with our communication team.