The conference, open to researchers from all fields of heritage sciences, will highlight exceptional advances in methodologies and applications, which impact the interpretation, conservation and the fundamental knowledge of global material culture. Innovative researchers in the field of heritage sciences and a selection of inspiring speakers from related fields will discuss the impact of comprehensive analytical, biological, and engineering approaches on heritage research. In particular, the conference will explore novel ways to address the complexity of multiscale studies on heterogeneous heritage objects by integrating instrumentation, material composition and physical properties with cultural concepts of making, meaning and preserving.

The topics covered in the oral presentations are: (i) development of advanced approaches of high-definition imaging, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and nanoscale analysis for the study of production methods and of chemical interaction / degradation of the materials of art, archaeology, and natural history; (ii) new strategies for the study of plant and animal materials found in ancient and historical objects, consisting of protein, lipid and polysaccharide materials, resins, dyestuffs, etc.; (iii) integrated multiscale approaches towards a comprehensive study of complex heritage systems and related interpretation issues; and (iv) contribution of chemical, material and engineering sciences to interpretation, conservation, and paleo-inspiration of new materials and processes based on ancient materials and technologies.

The conference will include thematically complementary poster sessions. Poster abstracts should only cover unpublished work. Participants submitting work already published will not present at the meeting.

Programme and application