Dr. Matija Strlič: The Compass of Heritage Science – How Interdisciplinarity Connects Fields and Shapes a Vision for the Future

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the first lecture of this year’s ASEF Speaker Series season took place at the Prešeren Hall of ZRC SAZU in Ljubljana, opening a new year of scientific events. The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) organized the event in cooperation with the Heri Sci Society. The popular science lecture titled “The Compass of Heritage Science: How Interdisciplinarity Connects Fields and Shapes a Vision for the Future” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Matija Strlič, Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Ljubljana and Honorary Professor of Heritage Science at University College London.

At the beginning, Dr. Strlič emphasized the dynamic development of the field:
“In Europe, this field is developing intensively. That is why it makes sense to explore its roots.”

The lecturer presented heritage science as a young and rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that connects the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering. At its core lies the understanding, preservation, and management of cultural heritage—from chemical analyses of materials and studies of degradation processes to the exploration of social meanings and the rights of communities to heritage.

Dr. Strlič placed the historical development of the discipline in the 19th century, when Faraday’s chemical observations already hinted at the ways in which material science related to cultural heritage intertwines with broader social questions. He stressed that only ethical and interdisciplinary collaboration across various fields enables sustainable and effective heritage preservation, with models playing a key role in predicting material degradation, optimizing energy use, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Among examples of good practice, he highlighted how interdisciplinary approaches contribute to better risk management, more thoughtful investment decisions, and the creation of long-term sustainability strategies. According to him, it is precisely the integration of scientific disciplines that points the way toward more responsible stewardship of heritage in times of environmental and social challenges.

A special part of the lecture was dedicated to the emerging Center of Excellence for Green Heritage Science (GreenHer), led by Prof. Dr. Strlič at the University of Ljubljana. The center will bring together researchers from diverse fields and become Slovenia’s first major hub dedicated to interdisciplinary heritage science. As part of a European partnership, it will establish new laboratories and research teams with the aim of developing cutting-edge solutions for the sustainable management of cultural heritage. Prof. Strlič emphasized: “Through this center we aim to fund and encourage new research. I hope that in the future we will develop a very strong field in Slovenia.”

ASEF and Heri Sci sincerely thank Dr. Matija Strlič for an inspiring opening of this year’s ASEF Speaker Series season. The event was moderated by Lana Nastja Anžur, representative of the Heri Sci Society and ASEF Fellow 2024.

The event was organized with the support of the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth.