Demian Špaleta
no.: 61272

Demian Špaleta’s research interests include vibrational spectroscopy, multivariate data analysis, development and testing of innovative materials for heritage conservation and development of advanced techniques in material characterization. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of Dubrovnik, Department of Arts and Restoration. In 2020, he pursued the international Master’s degree in Science for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Bologna and graduated in 2022 with 110/110 cum laude on the topic of New Sustainable Cleaning Systems for the Selective Removal of Vandalic Graffiti from Street Art under the guidance of Prof. Giorgia Sciutto. In 2021, he was the Winner of the MAECI Italian Government Scholarship 2021/2022 based on merits. Later on, he was a Research fellow at the Microchemistry and Microscopy Art Diagnostic Laboratory (M2ADL) and worked under the supervision of Prof. Rocco Mazzeo for the PRIN project »MEDUSA – MarinE outDoor bronze sUrfaceS: a methodological Approach« where he conducted a robust multi-analytical protocol for the evaluation of commercial and innovative protective treatments for bronze exposed in aggressive marine environments. He also worked extensively in the multivariate analysis of spectroscopic, colorimetric, hyperspectral and electrochemical impedance data. Since October 2025, he has joined the HSLL team as a Doctoral researcher where he will be focusing on developing a cost-effective and non-destructive colorimetric sensor array (CSA) for material characterization in cultural institutions like museums and libraries. His PhD is mentored by Prof. Matija Strlič.