Collecting the Digital: Rethinking Materiality in Science and University Museums Digital technologies present a unique challenge for science and university museums. Unlike traditional scientific instruments or artifacts, digital innovations—such as artificial intelligence, algorithms, and data-driven research tools—often lack a physical presence that corresponds to their profound societal impact. This session explores how museums can collect, document, and interpret digital and contemporary scientific heritage in ways that preserve both their material and conceptual significance. Bringing together perspectives from universities and museum professionals, this session will examine key questions: How do we collect and exhibit AI and other digital technologies? When is the physical object necessary, and when can alternative collecting strategies be employed? How do decisions about what to collect shape future research and public engagement? Through a keynote presentation, case studies, and discussion, this session will highlight innovative approaches to collecting scientific heritage from university labs and beyond. Rather than providing definitive answers, it will raise critical questions about the evolving role of collections in the digital age, balancing materiality, research, and dissemination. ——————– November 12 14:45-16:15 CIMUSET UMAC collaboration – Session B-14 Collecting the Digital: Rethinking Materiality in Science and University Museums Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE Location: Hall, Abu Dhabi A Slaga: Beyond the Tangible: Collecting the Intangible in Contemporary Scientific Heritage Poce: Beyond the Object: The University of Tor Vergata’s Virtual Museum as a Living Digital Collection Nykanen: Aviation museums new facilities – a possibility, or a disaster Hwang: Material Transformations: Cement, Heritage, and Innovation in the 2024 Project Hao: Beyond Artifacts: Capturing Fleeting Reactions as Digital Heritage in Museums