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Image and Research Conference

Programme

IMAGE & RESEARCH

Antoni Varés Conference

Girona, 19–20 November 2026

The Image and Research Conference (Antoni Varés Conference) aims to foster reflection and the exchange of knowledge on various aspects related to the management of photographic and audiovisual heritage. It is structured into four thematic blocks, each featuring two keynote presentations and several contributed papers on related topics. In addition, a dedicated debate session is included to address a specific issue that benefits from multiple perspectives.
The presentations and papers will take place at the Girona Conference Centre on 19 and 20 November, while the workshops will be held at the Girona Municipal Archive on 18 and 21 November.
Session 1: INNOVATION — 19 November
TypeTitle / TopicSpeaker
KeynoteJPEG and AI. New functionalities for image formatsTouradj Ebrahimi (EPFL – JPEG Convenor)
KeynoteIntelligent assistant for contextualised image description in newsRafa Bermúdez (3CAT)
Contributed papersArtificial intelligence, semantic web, management software, speech-to-text, digital preservation, metadata, 3D technologies, etc.
Session 2: ACCESS & CREATIVITY — 19 November
TypeTitle / TopicSpeaker
KeynoteAI techniques for visual analysis and the study of photographic collectionsThomas Smits (University of Amsterdam)
KeynoteThe European initiative and the challenge of biasFred Truyen (KU Leuven)
DebateDialogue – Debate: BIASThomas Smits – Fred Truyen
Contributed papersNarrative creation, dissemination of collections, archives and creativity, exhibitions, citizen participation, image ethics, etc.
Session 3: HERITAGE — 20 November
TypeTitle / TopicSpeaker
KeynoteHeritage assessment at the Centro Nacional de FotografíaMónica Carabias (CNF)
KeynoteCollection management and rights managementLluís-Esteve Casellas (CRDI)
DebateRights managementMónica Carabias – Lluís-Esteve Casellas
Contributed papersArchival collections, business models, image banks, intellectual property, image rights, economic sustainability, collecting, etc.
Session 4: CONSERVATION — 20 November
TypeTitle / TopicSpeaker
KeynoteAn updated review of preservation criteria for photographic archivesBertrand Lavedrine
Contributed papersState of the art in conservation, preventive conservation criteria, restoration of photographs and films, history of photography, digitisation, climate change, sustainable conservation, etc.
Closing lecture: Tino Soriano
WORKSHOP 1 — 18 November

Provenance and identification of AI-generated images. JPEG responses.
Trainer: Frederik Temmermans — Language: English

WORKSHOP 2 — 21 November

Emergency actions in the event of flooding.
Trainer: Ester Llorca — Language: Spanish