ARIADNEplus D11.1 - Quantity of Access Offered - TA4

Bassett S., Potenziani M.

Visual Media  Data Visualization  Documentation  Training Programme  TNA 

This deliverable describes the Trans National Access (TNA) activities carried out during the ARIADNEplus project within Work Package 11 (WP11) by CNR and describes the results achieved by this work package. CNR were responsible for the delivery of TNA entitled "Visual Media for the Documentation of Fieldwork and Artefacts" at their premises in Pisa, Italy. The first TNA call went out in 2019 and only three person were able to complete their in-house training before the pandemic restrictions stopped travel. No further activities could be undertaken until 2021 when it was decided to organise the TNA as four Summer Schools and all previously accepted applicants were offered (and took up) places on the week-long courses. All candidates had to send in application forms describing their projects and how these would benefit from the use of Visual Media. One of three independent reviewers each evaluated the applications and awarded a mark and recommendation to ensure the quality and relevance of the training for the applicants. The WP11 training was designed to support researchers who wish to use visual media for the management of activities in the field and/or for the study of objects for their specific project. Participants had access to equipment and facilities in the CNR-ISTI (VCL) laboratory with technical support from the tutors, which provided the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art cameras and scanners, post-processing packages and advanced viewing platforms. Each student had the possibility to learn about creating visual media datasets for the documentation of artefacts and archaeological finds, taking in account preservation and sharing of datasets, guidance and advice were tailored to each individual project. The training concluded with a review of the results achieved and further input from local experts on continuation of the work once back home. In total, all six applicants were offered places of which five were able to attend (one dropped out due to a serious family situation). Each student was asked to complete feedback forms after completing their TNA placements. The quality of the students and their projects as well as the training provided is reflected in the feedback. All the students were highly appreciative of the Summer School and what they had learned and from the comments, it is apparent that the Summer School catered very well to the individual requirements of each student. In terms of numbers, the attendance was lower than expected (six offers for 10 places) and if the Summer School had been able to run a year or two earlier as well, it is highly likely that the target would have been met. However, it is evident that the TNA was very well received, meeting the expectations and requirements of the students so that the lower numbers actually was a benefit for those who were able to attend.

Source: ISTI Project report, ARIADNEplus, D11.1, 2022