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CODICUM Stockholm Seminar Establishes Foundation for Large-Scale Fragment Sampling
CODICUM Stockholm Seminar Establishes Foundation for Large-Scale Fragment Sampling
October 2, 2025
The CODICUM team gathered at the Swedish National Archives in Stockholm for a three-day seminar from 29 September to 1 October. The seminar focused on advancing research infrastructure for medieval manuscript fragments. Researchers, conservators, and technical experts from across the Nordic region came together to lay the groundwork for analyzing over 50,000 medieval parchment fragments.
What happened:
What happened:
The results of a new, comprehensive survey were presented. The survey expanded the known Nordic fragment collections from 42 to nearly 120 institutions.
Presentations explored how to harmonize metadata, formats, and identifiers across diverse databases, aiming to connect rather than replace existing systems.
CODICUM introduced a mobile-first system for tracking samples, using barcodes, smartphone photography, and real-time metadata capture.
Sampling has started: Conservators practiced sampling techniques and tested protocols that will be used across all partner institutions.
Participants from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland joined forces to align workflows and share expertise.
Building for Scale
Building for Scale
This seminar marks a major step toward building a shared digital infrastructure for fragment research. By establishing robust standards and practical tools now, CODICUM is preparing for large-scale sampling and analysis that will continue through 2031.
The systems and protocols developed in Stockholm may also serve as a model for future manuscript research projects worldwide.
Tuomas Heikkilä to speak at 'Tiedematinea' event hosted by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters in Helsinki
Tuomas Heikkilä to speak at 'Tiedematinea' event hosted by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters in Helsinki
September 29, 2025
On 22 October 2025, CODICUM PI Tuomas Heikkilä will speak at the Tiedematinea ("Science Matinée") hosted by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.
Attendees will experience a behind-the-scenes look at CODICUM, as Heikkilä will present how the project explores medieval literary networks and the role of written culture in shaping Nordic identity and connecting the region to the rest of Europe.
His talk will highlight CODICUM’s interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional manuscript studies with cutting-edge scientific methods like DNA and protein analysis. It will also touch on how medieval books were produced, circulated, and preserved - and what they reveal about the cultural foundations of Northern Europe.
The event is open to members of the Academy on Wednesday 22 October, 15:00–17:00.
More info: acadsci.fi
CODICUM team is getting ready for upcoming seminar in Stockholm
CODICUM team is getting ready for upcoming seminar in Stockholm
August 29, 2025
The CODICUM team is gearing up for a three-day seminar in Stockholm, hosted at the Swedish National Archives (Riksarkivet) from 29 September to 1 October.
The seminar brings together CODICUM researchers, technical experts and collaborators to explore key topics in fragment studies, data wrangling, and cataloguing practices. It marks a milestone in the project’s efforts to advance research on medieval manuscript fragments across the Nordic region.
The programme includes presentations, workshops, and discussions where the participants will work toward establishing shared standards and workflows that will support the long-term goals of the CODICUM project.
More information about the seminar will be shared with the invited participants as the event approaches.
Matthew Collins to speak at the 10th Bone Diagenesis Meeting in September
Matthew Collins to speak at the 10th Bone Diagenesis Meeting in September
August 22, 2025
We’re delighted to share that Professor Matthew Collins will give the closing keynote at the 10th Bone Diagenesis Meeting (BD2025), held in Athens, Greece, from 24–26 September 2025.
This international conference brings together leading researchers in the study of bone and tooth diagenesis – exploring the physical, chemical, and biological changes that affect biological materials over time. Topics include ancient DNA, palaeoproteomics, stable isotope analysis, and advanced dating techniques. These areas align closely with Professor Collins’ work in bioarchaeology and molecular analysis of historic materials.
Collins’ groundbreaking research on protein degradation in parchment has opened new avenues for understanding diagenetic processes in bone and dental tissues. These insights are relevant to BD2025’s interdisciplinary focus and highlights the broader scientific relevance of CODICUM’s work.
The conference offers a unique opportunity to share CODICUM’s innovative approach – combining manuscript studies with biomolecular science – with a wider research community.
We believe his perspectives will provide an inspiring conclusion to the meeting, and look forward to the insights and connections this event will bring to CODICUM and the wider field of heritage science.
Find out more about the conference and read the programme here: https://bd-2025.com/scprogram
CODICUM in the media: Remnants of medieval books were coincidentally discovered at a high school in Bergen
CODICUM in the media: Remnants of medieval books were coincidentally discovered at a high school in Bergen
July 10, 2025
Employees from the Bergen City Museum coincidentally discovered remnants of medieval books in the library at Bergen Cathedral School earlier this year. They immidiately reached out to Professor Åslaug Ommundsen, and now, the newly discovered fragments will be documented and analyzed by the CODICUM team.
“It’s exciting to be made aware of book collections that are hidden in plain sight like this one at the Bergen Cathedral School,” says CODICUM researcher Tom Lorenz.
Read more:
The University of Bergen: Rare discovery at a high school in Bergen caught the attention of UIB researchers
Media:
Bergens Tidende (Norwegian newspaper): Fant rester av middelalderbøker på «Katten»: – Timingen var helt upåklagelig
Bergensavisen (Norwegian newspaper): Oppdaget middelalderbok i bokhyllen på sentrumsskole: – Spesiell opplevelse
CODICUM in the media: Interview with Tuuli Kasso in Finnish Chemistry Magazine "Kemia"
CODICUM in the media: Interview with Tuuli Kasso in Finnish Chemistry Magazine "Kemia"
June 22, 2025
Tuuli Kasso, one of the key researchers in the CODICUM project, has been interviewed by Kemia - a reputable Finnish industry magazine aimed at professionals in chemistry and related fields.
The article describes her work analyzing medieval parchments using advanced methods. In the interview, Tuuli talks about how ink pigments and parchment materials can shed light on historical trade routes and Finland’s integration into Western Europe.
Read the article here (Finnish only): Tuuli Kasso avaa pergamenttien salaisuuksia pyyhekumilla – ”Saan välillä kylmiä väreitä”
CODICUM Project successfully kicked off in Bergen
CODICUM Project successfully kicked off in Bergen
May 13, 2025
The historic Håkonshallen in Bergen provided a fitting backdrop for the official launch of CODICUM.
The kick-off event brought together all project participants for the first time.
Read more and see photos from the event:
The University of Bergen: CODICUM-prosjektet arrangerte kickoff i Bergen: – Nå kan moroa begynne
The University of Southern Denmark: CODICUM Project kicks off in Bergen: “Now the fun can begin”
CODICUM in the media: Interview with Tuomas Heikkilä by Academia Europaea
CODICUM in the media: Interview with Tuomas Heikkilä by Academia Europaea
April 29, 2025
Professor Tuomas Heikkilä has appeared in Academia Europaea's Interview Spotlight Series.
In the interview, Heikkilä discusses how the CODICUM project uses DNA analysis to trace the origins of medieval book fragments and uncover Europe’s hidden intellectual networks.
Read the interview here: The hidden networks of medieval Europe: An interview with Tuomas Heikkilä
Podcast: Tuomas Heikkilä joins the Humanisti Vasta podcast as a featured guest
Podcast: Tuomas Heikkilä joins the Humanisti Vasta podcast as a featured guest
April 23, 2025
In the podcast episode, Heikkilä argues that books shaped cultural networks that connected Finland to the West as early as the 13th century. The podcast also explores the concept of true education and Heikkilä’s concerns about the decline of nonfiction literature.
The episode is part of the Humanisti vastaa podcast series, produced by the University of Turku and hosted by professor Riitta Monto.
Read the article and listen to the episode here (Finnish only): Mitä on todellinen sivistys, Tuomas Heikkilä?
CODICUM has officially started
CODICUM has officially started
April 1, 2025
The CODICUM project has officially taken off, and the Principal Investigators, along with the entire CODICUM team, are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey. The initial steps will involve assembling teams to survey, analyze, collect, and compile the source material.
Collaboration across borders: Then and now
Collaboration across borders: Then and now
"We feel privileged to have the opportunity to study the unique remnants of European book culture. Medieval learning and literature emerged through cross-border collaboration, and we are continuing this tradition by studying it across borders today," says Professor Åslaug Ommundsen.
”Studying the deep cultural currents that shaped Europe alongside the brilliant minds of the CODICUM team is a true privilege! With experts from multiple disciplines and nationalities, we are pioneering groundbreaking methodologies that will redefine both Northern European history and the ‘scientific turn’ in medieval studies. It feels like being in an intellectual candy store," says Prof. Tuomas Heikkilä.
Prof. Ommundsen, Prof. Heikkilä, Prof. Matthew Collins and Prof. Lars Boje Mortensen are the Principal Investigators and make up the leading team of the research project.
Preparing for the CODICUM kick-off
Preparing for the CODICUM kick-off
The CODICUM team is finalizing preparations for the kick-off event, which will take place in Bergen on May 12-13. The event will feature an opening ceremony and reception at the historic King Håkon's Hall ("Håkonshallen"), a venerable stone hall built in the Middle Ages.
More information will be shared as the event approaches.
CODICUM Project ready to start 1 April
CODICUM Project ready to start 1 April
March 28, 2025
Preparing for the big day: on 1 April, the CODICUM project will officially start.
The essential paperwork and formalities are behind us, teams are being established and the project is soon ready to take off.
CODICUM assembles experts in medieval studies, bioarchaeology, and digital humanities from across Europe. This unique blending of research expertise enables an innovative synergy which will expand the perspective of European book history c. 1000-1500.
CODICUM Preparatory Meeting in Stockholm
CODICUM Preparatory Meeting in Stockholm
January 14, 2025
The CODICUM project, a groundbreaking initiative exploring medieval manuscripts through biomolecular and textual analysis, held its preparatory meeting at Sweden's National Archives (Riksarkivet) on January 14–15. Funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the project brings together experts in medieval studies, bioarchaeology, and digital humanities from institutions across Europe.
Coordinated by the University of Bergen, CODICUM aims to uncover the hidden histories of early manuscripts through cutting-edge techniques such as peptide sequencing, DNA extraction, and stemmatological studies. The meeting marked an important step in defining the project’s structure, establishing collaboration tools, and finalizing plans for its official launch in April.
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The meeting opened with a review of administrative details, including updates on the project’s contract with the ERC. Delays due to server upgrades were noted, but the team anticipates the contract will be signed by the end of February.
CODICUM receives €13 million from the ERC
CODICUM receives €13 million from the ERC
November 5, 2024
Tuomas Heikkilä, Åslaug Ommundsen, Lars Boje Mortensen and Matthew Collins have received an ERC Synergy Grant for their CODICUM project to explore medieval book culture.
Read more:
Read more:
The University of Bergen: Nordic research team receives €13 million to explore medieval book culture
The University of Copenhagen: ERC Synergy Grant to chart Northern integration in medieval intellectual culture
The University of Helsinki: Scholars in medieval history bagged a unique €13 million EU research funding
The University of Southern Denmark: Prestigious ERC Grants for two outstanding researchers at SDU
Media:
Media:
Khrono (Norwegian newspaper): Åslaug sitt prosjekt får over 150 millioner kroner fra ERC
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