Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Qalamos Heritage Studies

Distinguished scholars, esteemed colleagues, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and a genuine honour to address you today as we announce the publication of the first issue of Qalamos Heritage Studies Journal.

This inaugural issue holds particular significance, as it is dedicated to the papers of the conference “Connecting Heritage Science to the Heritage of Science”—a timely and intellectually important gathering that brings together heritage scholars, scientists, conservators, and institutional partners in a shared conversation on the past, present, and future of cultural heritage.

This conference, supported by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (Egypt) and organized in cooperation with leading national and international institutions, together with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, will be held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Conference Center from 6 to 9 April 2025.

The importance of this conference lies not only in its international scope, but also in its vision: to connect heritage science with the heritage of science itself—to re-examine the scientific traditions embedded in Egyptian and regional civilizations, and to explore how contemporary research infrastructures and innovations can serve the preservation, interpretation, and sustainability of heritage.

In this context, the first issue of Qalamos is more than a journal issue; it is a scholarly statement. It reflects our commitment to:

• advancing rigorous, interdisciplinary research;

• fostering dialogue between the humanities, conservation sciences, and technological innovation;

• and building enduring bridges between local heritage institutions and international research communities.

We are especially proud that this issue emerges in a spirit of collaboration—one that values both scientific method and historical depth, both cultural memory and future-oriented research. The contributions gathered in this issue demonstrate that heritage is not a static archive of the past, but a living field of knowledge that continues to shape education, identity, innovation, and public life.

On this occasion, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to all contributors: the conference organisers, partner institutions, editors, reviewers, authors, and supporters whose efforts made this inaugural publication possible. Your work has laid a strong foundation for Qalamos as a serious academic platform in heritage studies.

We look forward to a fruitful conference, rich discussions, and a first issue that will stand as a lasting scholarly record of this important moment of international cooperation.

Thank you all, and welcome to the inaugural issue of Qalamos Heritage Studies Journal.