During the 19th century, Rome rose as a unique international centre for research within the humanities. Classical studies, history and art history played a prominent role within this process. Rome was regarded as the hub of Western civilization with a bountiful historical and cultural heritage. It developed into a central location for the storage, transmission and presentation of knowledge and culture. 

Key institutions, such as archives, libraries and museums were founded providing the institutional framework for researchers and artists. Artists from all over Europe had moved to Rome since the mid eighteenth century. They soon strived to found national academies within the city and in the process created a transnational and intellectual atmosphere of interaction and exchange. Considering these historical developments, the conference will address the "Model Rome", its development, and whether it served as a model for other scientific and cultural hubs worldwide. Special attention will be given to modes and practices of cooperation,interdisciplinary work and times of fierce competition and rivalry between different nations and their institutes. Therefore, the conference will not only focus on international Institutes in Rome but will also direct its attention towards individual actors, their networks and the wider political frameworks that influenced the development of scientific communities in the 20th century. 

The concluding Round Table will tackle with an outlook into the 21st century and new models of scientific internationalism.