26:Cinzia received her Ph.D. in Archaeology at the University of Naples “l’Orientale”, Italy. She participated in her first archaeological project in Sudan, Africa, in 1989 as archaeologist and ceramic analyst. Since then, she focussed her research in the archaeology of early states in northeast Africa, Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea/Ethiopia, with a specialization in ceramic studies. During her travels in Africa and Near East she has experienced all aspects of archaeology and heritage, from excavation and survey of large cultural territories to the study and archiving of collections. Since 2003 she has been actively involved in numerous initiatives aimed at integrating digital technologies in the practice of Cultural Heritage. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the European initiative “EPOCH – The European Network of Excellence in Open Cultural Heritage”.