Peter Fornaro (born April 3, 1973) is a Swiss scholar working at the intersection of imaging science, digital preservation, and the digital humanities. He is currently Titular Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Basel, where he also leads major infrastructure and research projects at the Digital Humanities Lab.
Biography.
Peter Fornaro began his career through the Swiss vocational education system with a four-year apprenticeship as an Automation Technician (Automatiker EFZ) at Kriegel & Schaffner AG in Basel (now part of the ETAVIS Group). This Swiss Federal VET program trains specialists in automation systems, including programming, control systems, and technical documentation.
He earned a diploma in electrical engineering from the engineering college HTL in Muttenz in 1996 (now FHNW School of Engineering), specializing in computer and communication technologies. He later trained as a scientific photographer Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Basel under Prof. R. Gschwind, focusing on analog silver halide photography, digital imaging, image processing, archival systems, and early web technologies.
Fornaro studied experimental physics Department of Physics, University of Basel. He earned his PhD in 2004 under Prof. Ernst Meier with a dissertation on scanning probe microscopy and the influence of tip geometry on measurement precision.
Alongside his scientific work, Fornaro completed a Master of Advanced Studies in Business administration and Marketing in 2005, and an MBA in Business Development and Marketing in 2024, both at the University of Basel.
He has held postdoctoral and teaching positions at Digital Humanities Lab (formerly Imaging and Media Lab) and at Réseau Cinéma Suisse, where he coordinated the technology curriculum in areas such as visual media, lighting, and perception. In 2018, he completed his habilitation in Digital humanities at the University of Basel with a thesis on image documentation in art and culture.
Fornaro teaches at the Universities of Basel, and Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana), specifically digital imaging, color-science, digital preservation, and artificial intelligence. His work in color science and media technology includes imaging workflows, color calibration, and the digital reproduction of artworks, with contributions to standardization in cultural heritage digitization.
Fornaro currently serves as a member of the board of Memoriav, the Swiss association dedicated to preserving audio-visual cultural heritage.
He is also the founding president and a committee member of DHCH (Digital Humanities Switzerland). Additionally, he is a councilor of the Photoconsortium, an international network dedicated to photographic heritage and digital culture policy 
His career bridges technical training and academic leadership, spanning science, the humanities, and cultural heritage through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Research Projects.
Peter Fornaro has led or co-led numerous research projects in the areas of digital preservation, scientific imaging, and infrastructure for the humanities. His work frequently bridges the gap between technical innovation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Notable projects include:
Professional and Entrepreneurial Activities.
Fornaro has also been active in applied research, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship: