The AIC 2026 Midterm Meeting will take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 in Florence, Italy, with an additional day dedicated to cultural visits on 5 September. The conference will combine plenary events, parallel sessions, and three thematic special sessions, hosted in two exceptional venues in the heart of the city.
Please note:
The program outlined above is preliminary and provided for guidance purposes. Dates, times, sessions, and venues may be subject to change. A detailed and final program will be published closer to the conference dates.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Afternoon – AIC Executive Committee (EC) Meeting
The AIC Executive Committee Meeting is on invitation only.
Evening – Welcome Cocktail
Venue: to be announced
In the evening, all participants are warmly invited to a Welcome Cocktail, offering an informal opportunity to meet, reconnect, and network ahead of the scientific sessions.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Morning – Opening Ceremony & Plenary Session
Venue: Palazzo Vecchio – Salone dei Cinquecento
The official opening of the AIC 2026 Midterm Meeting will take place in the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio, one of Florence’s most iconic and historic venues.
The plenary session will include welcome addresses from the AIC President, the Local Organising Committee, and institutional representatives, followed by two invited lectures. The session will also feature the presentation of the Color Award of the Associazione Italiana Colore, as well as short presentations by the AIC Study Groups.
Afternoon – Parallel Sessions
Venue: University of Florence – Santa Teresa Campus
Scientific sessions will continue in parallel tracks, together with the first special sessions.
Friday, 4 September 2026
Morning – Parallel Sessions
Afternoon – Parallel Sessions
Venue: University of Florence – Santa Teresa Campus
All sessions on this day will be held at the Santa Teresa Campus of the University of Florence, located in the city centre and fully equipped to host the conference scientific program.
Closing Ceremony
Venue: University of Florence – Santa Teresa Campus
The conference will conclude with closing remarks from the AIC leadership and the Local Organising Committee, followed by a brief presentation by the organisers of AIC 2027 and the formal passing of the AIC Banner.
Evening – Gala Dinner
Venue: to be announced
The Gala Dinner is optional, not included in the conference registration.
The venue will be announced later.
Saturday, 5 September 2026 (Optional – outside the conference program)
A day dedicated to guided visits and tours of the city of Florence, offering participants the opportunity to explore its cultural and artistic heritage.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
The AIC 2026 Midterm Meeting will offer a rich and diverse program, combining general sessions with three special sessions, each dedicated to key areas of research in color science and cultural heritage. These sessions will provide a platform for experts, researchers, and professionals to discuss advancements, methodologies, and challenges in their respective fields.
- Color Photography and Film – Chaired by Alice Plutino & Barbara Cattaneo, this session will focus on the analysis, preservation, and conservation of color photographic and film materials, addressing both analogue and digital processes. Discussions will explore scientific imaging, color reproduction challenges, and strategies for safeguarding historical visual media.
- Shedding a new Light on Cultural Heritage – Chaired by Andrea Siniscalco & Laura Bellia, this session will examine the impact of lighting on artworks, monuments, and heritage spaces, balancing conservation needs with visual perception and accessibility. Topics will include new lighting technologies, sustainable solutions, and case studies on integrating artificial and natural light in heritage environments.
- The Colors of Historical Cities – Chaired by Maurizio De Vita, this session will delve into the role of color in architectural heritage, discussing historical color studies, material analysis, and preservation strategies. Contributions will highlight how color perception, restoration techniques, and digital tools influence architectural conservation and interpretation.
With these specialized tracks, AIC 2026 will foster multidisciplinary discussions that connect color science, cultural heritage, and technological innovation, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and institutions.