From 26 to 30 March 2025, two HeriSci delegates Adam Modic and Jan Matoh took part in the international Youth Heritage Days conference. The event was organised by Hispania Nostra and the European Students’ Association for Cultural Heritage (ESACH). ESACH recognised Heri Sci as an example of good practise, so we had the opportunity to present our work to an international audience. The conference took place in the historic rural town of Albarracín in the Spanish region of Aragon.

Youth Heritage Days 2025 presenters, including HeriSci delegates

Many participants showed great interest in the activities of the association and some also expressed the wish to participate in the first conference organised by the association in Koper, at the University of Primorska, on 10 April 2025. Many participants showed great interest in the activities of HeriSci, and some even expressed the wish to participate in the first official conference of the association, which was to take place on Thursday, 10 April in Koper, Slovenia. The young participants contributed with short presentations from events across Europe, exploring solutions to current challenges in the field of cultural heritage and presenting innovative approaches to engaging the wider public.

As part of the programme, participants also visited the regional capital of Teruel and the town of Belchite – a site partially destroyed during the Spanish Civil War that now stands in stark contrast to the remarkably well-preserved Albarracín. The two cities also have very different approaches to tourism, which became the topic of the roundtable discussions in which Adam and Jan took part. Topics included the green economy, the urban-rural divide, digitalisation and depopulation.

The conference ended with high praise for the organisers. Participants expressed great satisfaction as the event opened up new perspectives on pressing issues, fostered new connections between European heritage organisations, stimulated constructive dialogue and collaboration and provided valuable experience for young heritage professionals.

Adam Modic and Jan Matoh represented HeriSci at Youth Heritage Days 2025