The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics will inaugurate the Egyptian-British Center for Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Heritage Technologies (BECAIVE) on Monday, August 17. The center is being established as part of scientific cooperation between Egypt and the United Kingdom and efforts to expand the use of artificial intelligence applications in heritage and scientific research.
Dr. Bassem Nabawy, Head of the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, said that the center is an Egyptian-British initiative headquartered at the institute in Egypt, while its UK headquarters will be located at the Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and World Heritage at the University of York. The center aims to support research cooperation and knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and virtual heritage technologies.
He explained that the center will focus on scientific research, capacity building, and developing AI applications to serve Egyptology and archaeology. It will also establish a digital repository and an integrated database of archaeological sites, artifacts, and museum collections, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and making it accessible to researchers.
Dr. Abbas Mohamed Abbas, Director of the center, said that it will employ digitization, 3D modeling, and virtual reconstruction technologies for archaeological sites, while implementing specialized research projects, including “Virtual Hawara,” which aims to digitally document the Hawara Pyramid and the surrounding archaeological area using modern technologies.
He added that the center also seeks to develop smart tools for researchers and heritage specialists, including a digital assistant called “Seshat,” while strengthening cooperation with universities, museums, and research institutions in Egypt and abroad to support innovation in digital heritage and AI applications.
Source: Al-Ahram Portal
