On Friday, September 26, 2025, TEXTaiLES took part in the European Researchers’ Night, engaging audiences across Greece and Finland with interactive presentations, inspiring discussions, and hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies in textiles and artificial intelligence.
TEXTaiLES in Greece: Thessaloniki and Xanthi
In Greece, the TEXTaiLES project was presented at two venues, the Megaron Concert Hall in Thessaloniki and the Athena Research Center in Xanthi. Representatives from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and the Athena Research Center welcomed visitors to explore how AI and digital innovation are transforming textile heritage.
Hundreds of participants, from students and designers to researchers and the general public, discovered how AI, 3D digitisation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can reveal hidden features of historical textiles, bringing ancient patterns and colours back to life.
As Panagiotis Giannakeris (CERTH) explained in an interview with Deutsche Welle Greek, “With a focus on detail, we are essentially carrying out a digital restoration of fabric objects lost in time. AI helps us cover gaps, restore vivid colours, or reconstruct patterns.”
These technologies are being designed to support rather than replace conservators and archaeologists, empowering experts to make informed decisions for cultural heritage preservation.
TEXTaiLES in Finland: University of Oulu:
At the University of Oulu, the TEXTaiLES team presented a dedicated poster session highlighting project achievements and results from the Oulu use case, which focuses on sustainable textile innovation and circular economy practices. Visitors had the opportunity to learn how research and digital tools are helping to build a more sustainable future for the textile industry.
A Shared European Vision:
The enthusiasm and engagement of visitors across Europe demonstrated the growing public interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and technology. Researchers’ Night 2025 offered valuable feedback, new collaborations, and inspiration for the next stages of the project.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Thessaloniki, Xanthi, and Oulu, and to those who continue to follow our journey towards an intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable textile future.
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