Disasters—whether triggered by natural hazards or armed conflicts—have caused severe damage to cultural heritage, eroding both tangible structures and collective identity. Environmental shifts are intensifying hydro-meteorological risks, increasing the frequency and severity of such crises. These challenges underscore the urgent need to strengthen professional capacity for post-crisis heritage recovery.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, ICCROM and Fondazione Santagata for the Economics of Culture, with the support of partners, have responded by announcing the second International Training Course on Post-Crisis Recovery of Cultural Heritage (PCR 2025). This course builds on the momentum of the 2024 edition and the efforts in Mosul, Iraq, led by ICCROM with collaboration of UNESCO, to strengthen capacities of professionals in post-crisis cultural heritage recovery. This hybrid course will combine online learning with an in-person workshop in Asti and Canelli, Italy, generously supported by Fondazione Giovanni Goria.
The workshop will reflect on the 1994 Piedmont flood, which devastated historic buildings, churches, museums, wineries, and cellars. In its aftermath, exemplary initiatives were undertaken to recover not only tangible and intangible heritage but also infrastructure, landscapes, and local businesses—using recovery as an opportunity to build back better. In fact, such initiatives led to the nomination of the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato to the World Heritage List.
Participants will gain insights from past recovery successes and challenges, including a hands-on session on structural reinforcement for heritage structures led by KIMIA, an Italian company specialized in restoration and building rehabilitation. Lessons from Mosul and other international case studies will further enrich the course.
The training offers a comprehensive programme to enhance the capabilities of professionals in heritage conservation, disaster and conflict recovery, and development sectors. Relevant topics include:
assessment of heritage values in a post-crisis context
post-crisis situation analysis
tools for heritage recovery and resilience
heritage recovery planning
design, implementation and monitoring of heritage recovery projects
developing proposals for funding recovery projects
Participants will engage in interactive lectures, analyse case studies, and work together in hands-on exercises, fostering international and cross-sectoral collaboration and networking opportunities. The course emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge exchange in addressing the challenges of heritage recovery in post-crisis contexts.
Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, participants will acquire essential skills and knowledge to design, implement and monitor heritage recovery projects effectively.
Course Dates
- Online: 27–30 October and 03–06 November 2025
In-person (Asti, Italy): 17–22 November 2025
Target Groups
The course is open to 25 young and mid-career professionals from around the world, who are actively engaged in heritage conservation, disaster and conflict recovery, and development efforts. The key selection criteria for participants will include:
Professionals and institutions working in areas affected by conflict and/or disasters, or organizations dealing with the impact of conflict and/or natural disasters on heritage and their recovery
Involvement in activities related to the course topic and experience in the heritage field
Quality of submitted application forms, particularly the case studies provided
Proficiency in English
Learning Outcomes
Participants will develop an understanding of heritage values in post-crisis contexts, recognize the critical role of documentation in the recovery process, gain insights into conflict analysis, damage and risk assessment, and gain the ability to plan for recovery using sustainable, holistic and resilient strategies.
Application Process
The application process is as follows:
- complete the online application form in English
- upload a personal photo
- upload your professional curriculum vitae (in English, maximum three pages) including two references (name, occupation, institution, email, phone) upload a brief report that includes the following:
- Are you currently residing or working in a country that has recently experienced a crisis, such as a disaster or conflict, that has affected cultural heritage? If yes, please explain (maximum 100 words)
- Please describe the case study clearly, indicating the location, the nature of the crisis, your level of involvement, and the key lessons learned. (Maximum 500 words)
- Please explain any financial constraints or limitations that make the potential scholarship offered particularly important to you. (Maximum 200 words)
(Allowed formats: pdf, doc, docx, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff; maximum file size of 4 MB).
If you encounter any issues submitting your application or if you have any questions concerning the course, please email us at PCR2025@iccrom.org
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by 11:59 PM CET on 30 May 2025.
The selection process will ensure diverse regional representation, with priority for past applicants who were previously not selected due to high demand.
Course Fees and Scholarships
The course fee is EUR 900.
Five scholarships may be provided to participants. Consideration will be given to applicants from regions disproportionately affected by conflicts or disasters, as well as those with limited financial resources and access to professional development opportunities.