University collections are among the great cultural treasures in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Their vast potential, still untapped in many cases, has begun to catch the attention of the international research community. Furthermore, due to their unique position at the intersection of research, teaching and society, university collections often find themselves at the centre of far-reaching processes of transformation, facing challenges as well as opportunities.

From September 24th to 29th, 2024, the Office for Academic Heritage, Scientific and Art Collections at TUD Dresden University of Technology invites academic heritage experts from all over the world to the capital of Saxony. For the first time, ICOM-UMAC (Committee for University Museums and Collections of the International Council of Museums) and the European Academic Heritage Network UNIVERSEUM, two of the major international professional associations for university collections and academic heritage, will come together for a joint annual meeting on site.

The conference, titled "Shaping Transformation. University Collections in a Changing World”, will see professionals from a variety of backgrounds coming together to examine the impact of transformation processes on university collections and academic heritage, discuss urgent questions and present new approaches to pressing challenges. 

A multifaceted program will offer panels and roundtables alongside workshops and working groups, inviting all participants to open dialogues across disciplinary and geographical boundaries. Collection visits and two specifically curated exhibitions will illuminate the rich culture of TU Dresden and other academic institutions in the city. A number of high-profile cooperations will enrich the program and open a perspective to broader contexts.

We are looking forward to an extraordinary week!