Project Stages and Work Packages

The work programme comprises two consecutive stages and five interconnected work packages — from project organisation and the preparation of the research infrastructure to investigation, digitisation and the public presentation of the results.

Stage 1 · Preparation and Development

Months 1–18 · Organisation, review of existing experience, cataloguing, laboratory infrastructure and initial communication tools.

WP 1Organisation and Management of Project ActivitiesMonths 1–18
PeriodMonths 1–18
1.1Project management and development of a teamwork model.
Expected result

A set of documents defining responsibilities for project management and implementation.

1.2Review of Bulgarian experience.
Expected result

Identification of existing practices and opportunities for interdisciplinary research on written heritage in Bulgaria.

1.3Review of international experience and study of the available database and equipment at the CIMA laboratory in Austria.
Expected result

Expert exchange and familiarisation with established international methods, technologies and research infrastructure.

1.4Creation of a catalogue and database describing written heritage items from Bulgarian libraries and museums selected for study within the project.
Expected result

Cataloguing and structured description of the selected written heritage items.

1.5Purchase of equipment and establishment of a laboratory for the study of written heritage from Bulgarian libraries and museums.
Expected result

An equipped laboratory environment for the non-invasive study and documentation of manuscript cultural heritage.

WP 2Development of a PR Strategy and Web-Based Tools for Disseminating the ResultsMonths 7–18
PeriodMonths 7–18
1.6Creation of a website and preparation for the development of an online platform.
Expected result

Publication of the materials produced under Activities 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.

1.7Development of a model for communicating the project’s scientific results and influencing public attitudes and practices.
Expected result

An established communication channel through the information platform, social networks and other public communication tools.

1.8Participation in conferences, workshops and other scientific events, and publication of research articles resulting from the first project stage.
Expected result

Presentation and dissemination of the results to the national and international scientific community.

1.9Seminar for reporting the results of Stage 1.
Expected result

Discussion and a progress report on the project activities.

Stage 2 · Research, Digitisation and Dissemination

Months 19–36 · Multispectral and spectrometric research, digital resources, training and dissemination of the scientific results.

WP 3Scientific Imaging, Analysis and Study of the Catalogued Manuscript HeritageMonths 19–36
PeriodMonths 19–36
Work Package LeaderProf. Georgi Dimitrov, PhD
2.1Project management. Final completion of the equipment setup.
Expected result

A set of documents defining project management responsibilities. Purchase of software and a computer for data processing and storage.

2.2Multispectral and spectrometric imaging and investigation of the catalogued heritage items; processing, documentation and scientific analysis of the data.
Expected result

Completed interdisciplinary study of the heritage items and publication of the results on the platform. Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals in Bulgaria and abroad.

WP 4Creation and Management of Digital ResourcesMonths 22–33
PeriodMonths 22–33
Work Package LeaderAssoc. Prof. Katya Rasheva-Yordanova, PhD
2.3Creation of a digital database based on multispectral imaging of manuscript heritage and non-invasive spectrographic analysis of its material features; processing, documentation and scientific analysis of the data.
Expected result

Creation of a database within the online platform.

2.4Publication of an electronic collection of articles and materials from the interdisciplinary scientific study of manuscript heritage.
Expected result

Dissemination of the research results.

2.5Research visits for the exchange of expert knowledge and experience.
Expected result

Exchange of experience and preparation of joint publications.

WP 5Dissemination of the Scientific ResultsMonths 19–36
PeriodMonths 19–36
Work Package LeaderChief Assist. Prof. Deyan Lesigiyarski, PhD
2.6Organisation of a seminar/round table with international participation on interdisciplinary research and the application of non-invasive technologies in the study of cultural heritage.
Expected result

Engagement of Bulgarian and international researchers and creation of conditions for future collaboration.

2.7Creation of an online platform describing the project work and providing open access to the database.
Expected result

Development of the website into a platform for exchanging information on interdisciplinary research in the humanities.

2.8Creation of a training module and practical course, “Interdisciplinary Methods and Tools for the Study and Preservation of Written Cultural Heritage (Manuscripts)”, aligned with the UniBIT curriculum.
Expected result

Practical application of the scientific knowledge and results acquired during the project.

2.9Dissemination of the results through scientific, popular-science and media publications — articles, research communications, press releases, interviews, forums, exhibitions and public events.
Expected result

Publications in various outlets, preparation of exhibition materials and participation in media programmes.

2.10Final seminar for the project participants.
Expected result

Discussion of the project implementation.