Papyri and Manuscripts: Exploring Layers of Ages
The PAMELA (Papyri and Manuscripts: Exploring Layers of Ages) project is a pioneering initiative that transforms the study of Greek papyri and medieval manuscripts by integrating traditionally separate disciplines. Through a unique synergy of papyrology, manuscript studies, conservation science, AI-driven paleographic analysis, and material sciences, PAMELA introduces a new research paradigm for understanding the transmission and preservation of written heritage across historical periods.
Despite being housed in the same libraries and archives, papyri and manuscripts are rarely studied together due to disciplinary divides. PAMELA bridges this gap by fostering knowledge exchange between historians, digital humanities specialists, scientists, and technologists, redefining how these materials are analyzed. The project employs AI-assisted script recognition, non-invasive material studies, and digital reconstruction techniques, leading to deeper insights into textual transmission, manuscript production, and conservation strategies.
A key focus of PAMELA is training early-career researchers, equipping them with highly transferable skills in data science, digital humanities, and project management. International secondments will facilitate intersectoral collaboration between academic institutions, cultural heritage organizations, and private-sector technology firms, ensuring a robust exchange of expertise.
By developing open-access resources, digital repositories, and standardized methodologies, PAMELA will set a new standard in manuscript research and heritage preservation. Aligning with the MSCA Staff Exchanges scheme, the project fosters long-term collaboration, ensuring that the legacy of ancient and medieval texts remains accessible, scientifically advanced, and sustainable for future generations.
Funding
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Duration
Jan 2026 – Dec 2029
Coordinator
Charles University
Institutions
18 partners
EU contribution € 1 803 600·Grant agreement ID 101236480·https://doi.org/10.3030/101236480
Work Packages
WP1
Fragments
Research, preservation, and digitization of the Wessely papyrus collection at the National Library of the Czech Republic.
WP2
Scribes
Building a European database of medieval scribes and their colophons for comparative study of scribal practice.
WP3
Collections
Virtual re-creation of medieval manuscript collections and interoperability of the digital resources that describe them.
WP4
Project Management
Coordination, reporting, and quality assurance across the consortium under the Horizon Europe framework.
WP5
Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation
Maximising the visibility, accessibility, and long-term impact of the project’s results.