Prof. Forte Maurizio | Neuroaesthetics | Best Researcher Award
Advisor in Cultural Heritage at the State Departmment, Duke University United States
Maurizio Forte, PhD, is the William and Sue Gross Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies, Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University. He directs the Dig@Lab, focusing on digital archaeology and virtual heritage, and holds the prestigious Bass Chair. Forte leads the “Vulci 3000” Project, exploring Etruscan archaeology, and is a 2024 Italian Academy Fellow, with a focus on art and neuroaesthetics. An AAAS-STPF Fellow (2025), he serves as Special Advisor for Cultural Heritage at the U.S. State Department. Forte is a Society-Centered AI core member and a National Geographic Explorer. A pioneer in virtual archaeology, he has authored numerous publications and contributed significantly to integrating digital technologies into cultural heritage preservation. Fluent in multiple languages and holding dual American and Italian citizenship, he is an influential scholar, educator, and innovator in the intersection of archaeology, art, and technology.
Professional ProfileÂ
🎓Education
đź’ĽExperience
Duke University (2013–Present): Distinguished Professor, Director of Dig@Lab, Bass Chair. U.S. State Department (2025): Special Advisor for Cultural Heritage. Italian Academy Fellow (2024): Focus on art and neuroaesthetics. UC Merced (2008–2012): Professor of World Heritage, Director of Virtual Heritage Lab. National Research Council, Italy (1998–2007): Senior Scientist, Director of Virtual Heritage Lab. Visiting Scholar: Harvard, Sorbonne, Pisa, La Sapienza, and Stanford.
🏆Award and Honor
National Geographic Explorer (2016): Recognized for innovation in archaeology. AIA Lecturer (2020–2023): Archaeological Institute of America Cinelli and invited lecturer. Bass Chair (2013): Prestigious endowed position at Duke University. NSF and NEH Reviewer: Consistent contributions to academic excellence. International Advisory Roles: UNESCO WHIST Board, ICAHM member, and Neurohumanities Initiative advisor.
🔬 Research Focus
Publications Top Noted
Virtual reality in archaeology
Authors: JA BarcelĂł, M Forte, DH Sanders
Publication: Archaeopress
Year: 2000
Citations: 341
Virtual archaeology: re-creating ancient worlds
Authors: M Forte, A Siliotti, C Renfrew
Publication: Not specified
Year: 1997
Citations: 233
3D archaeology at Çatalhöyük
Authors: M Forte, N Dell’Unto, J Issavi, L Onsurez, N Lercari
Publication: International Journal of Heritage in the Digital Era
Year: 2012
Citations: 189
3D archaeology: new perspectives and challenges—the example of Çatalhöyük
Author: M Forte
Publication: Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology & Heritage Studies
Year: 2014
Citations: 169
About virtual archaeology: disorders, cognitive interactions and virtuality
Author: M Forte
Publication: BAR International Series
Year: 2000
Citations: 166
I sistemi informativi geografici in archeologia
Author: M Forte
Publication: MondoGIS
Year: 2002
Citations: 154
Cyber-archaeology
Author: M Forte
Publication: BAR Publishing
Year: 2010
Citations: 130
The measurement of radioactivity in Italian drinking waters
Authors: M Forte, R Rusconi, MT Cazzaniga, G Sgorbati
Publication: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2007
Citations: 122
Targeting nitric oxide with natural derived compounds as a therapeutic strategy in vascular diseases
Authors: M Forte, V Conti, A Damato, M Ambrosio, AA Puca, S Sciarretta, G Frati, et al.
Publication: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Year: 2016
Citations: 121
Virtual archaeology: great discoveries brought to life through virtual reality
Authors: M Forte, A Siliotti, C Renfrew
Publication: Not specified
Year: 1997
Citations: 113