The Techne project

What is the proper relationship between scientific data and "popularized" interpretations? How should the public be informed of the boundary between verifiable scientific facts and imaginative historical reconstructions? What makes some public historical narratives gripping and others deadly dull? Which new technologies are most effective in educational settings? Which types of heritage presentations convey serious and enlightening cultural information, and which types serve primarily as recreational venues?
These are some of the many questions that must be studied seriously if the public presentation of archaeological and historical sites is to become an intellectually sound and economically sustainable pursuit for European research institutes, governments, and local communities. Regrettably, the allure of technological innovation and multimedia applications (with such elements as interactivity, Virtual Reality, and internet portals) has often overshadowed the basic work to be done in developing standards of scientifically valid, effective "communication".
This will require the co-operation of researchers in a wide range of disciplines from visitor psychology, to literary and dramatic studies, to interactive interfaces, to community development working together to create tighter links between research institutions in Europe on the emerging field of cultural heritage communication.
The Sixth European Research Framework offers perhaps a unique opportunity to create a European research network on these themes. It is hoped that colleagues eager to move from the realm of analysis of the problem to participation in an experimental network and pilot project may be interested in participating in the preparatory work and in verifying the feasibility of substantial European support to research, which in any case must be carried on these issues. More details may be obtained visiting the project home/page www.techne-net.org.