Antti Knutas goes to Universita Degli Studi di Milano, April 2024

GRADE member Antti Knutas went on a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) to Universita Degli Studi di Milano, Italy. His visit successfully advanced research in creative computing and cultural heritage, particularly focusing on Italian practices and their international connections. Key achievements centered on collaboration, educational development, and preservation strategies, contributing to the ongoing work of GRADE.

Key Achievements:

Research Collaboration: A new research focus on Italian creative computing practices was established through collaboration between international and local researchers from academia and industry. Finnish and Italian researchers forged joint educational and research efforts, with plans for further cooperation through Erasmus funding and research publications.

Creative Computing as Cultural Heritage: The STSM explored how creative computing heritage can be integrated into modern games education. Workshops with MSc students were initiated, providing a strong foundation for future development in this area.

Foundation for Preservation Efforts: Connections were made between universities, industrial actors, and tentative collaborations with games restorers. While connections to hacklabs are still in development, this progress sets the groundwork for future preservation initiatives.

Support for Young Researchers and Innovators: The mission also contributed to GRADE’s objective of supporting young researchers, with the applicant (39 years old) gaining valuable interdisciplinary skills and career support.