Areti Damala

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT ARETI DAMALA

I am a Research Engineer and Digital Project Manager at CNRS, currently supporting the coordination of the ECHOES EU project. In my current role, I facilitate research, development, and applied innovation toward a sovereign, inclusive, and accessible European Collaborative Cloud on Cultural Heritage.With over fifteen years at the intersection of digital humanities, cultural heritage, and emerging technologies, I bring an interdisciplinary perspective shaped by academic research and hands-on collaboration across sectors. Initially trained as an archaeologist, I hold a PhD in Computer Science (HCI), an MPhil in Information Systems for Cultural Heritage Management and a Master in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.My expertise lies at the intersection of digital heritage, digital humanities, and user studies, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies. The domains I have worked in include, but are not limited to- Emerging technologies for cultural heritage (XR, AI, hybrid experiences)- Conceptual modeling for cultural heritage (from Heritage artefacts to the Heritage Digital Twin)- User-centered system requirements analysis- Co-creation methodologies and participatory practices- Research methodology, evaluation, and impact assessment- Stakeholder management in EU-funded research- Open Science and research infrastructure developmentI collaborate closely with cultural institutions, academics, researchers, engineers, and policymakers to bring to life a common European vision for a connected, participatory, and digitally empowered cultural heritage landscape. Cultural heritage is at the core of our identity, profoundly shaping who we are. This fuels my conviction in the potential of digital technologies to preserve, represent, restitute, and make Europe’s cultural heritage widely accessible, open and interoperable using creative yet rigorous approaches.In addition to research and project management, I have solid teaching and academic experience at academic institutions in the UK (University of Strathclyde), France (Université Paris 8, Université Paris 1, Université Paris 12), and Greece (Hellenic Open University and University of the Aegean). I have taught, mentored, and supervised students across diverse disciplines—including Computer Science, History of Art and Archaeology, Museum Studies, Digital Humanities —further strengthening my leadership and interdisciplinary expertise.I work comfortably in French, English, Greek, get by very well in Italian, and hold my own in German.