WS.X

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: FROM CHARACTERIZATION TO SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

14 - 18 September

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE

Danilo DINI, Sapienza University of Rome
Giuliana FAGGIO, UniRC
Giacomo MESSINA, UniRC
Maria Laura SANTARELLI, Sapienza University of Rome
Gabriella DI CARLO, CNR-ISMN

This workshop brings together different perspectives across conservation science, materials science, chemistry, physics, archaeology, microbiology and nanotechnology, addressing the entire pathway from the characterization and interpretation of heritage materials to the assessment of their degradation and the development of innovative conservation solutions.
Particular attention will be devoted to advanced and non-invasive analytical approaches for investigating the composition, structure, manufacture and alteration of archaeological, artistic and architectural materials, together with emerging diagnostic methodologies for assessing their interaction with the surrounding environment. At the same time, the workshop will explore the growing contribution of nanotechnology and advanced materials to conservation, including functional and self-cleaning coatings, nanocomposites, hydrogels, photocatalytic systems, sustainable materials and other tailored solutions for protection, cleaning and consolidation.
Through contributions spanning archaeological artefacts, metals, ceramics, historical building materials and other complex heritage systems, the workshop aims to highlight how the integration of advanced characterization, innovative materials and sustainable approaches can generate new knowledge while supporting more informed conservation decisions. The activities and expertise of HERITAGE-Lab (Sapienza University of Rome) and CHross Lab (CNR-DSCTM) further illustrate the value of interdisciplinary networks and shared research infrastructures in bridging fundamental research, technological innovation and practical conservation requirement.

The in-depth knowledge of what concerns cultural heritage involves nowadays an interdisciplinary approach embracing art, history, archaeology, conservation sciences, physics, informatics, geology, biology and chemistry among others, with the aim of providing an omnicomprehensive depiction of the past and its dynamics together with the definition of the conditions of conservation for the different types of finds. Contributions in archaeology, archaeometry and digital treatment of cultural heritage data will be welcome. In particular, the conservation of cultural heritage is increasingly benefiting from advances in materials science and nanotechnology since the development in these scientific sectors leads to innovative and sustainable solutions to address the challenges of preserving historical and artistic assets. The development of functional materials with enhanced protective, diagnostic, and environmental performance is opening new perspectives for safeguarding cultural heritage while ensuring compatibility with conservation principles and long-term sustainability.
This event will provide an overview of recent progress in advanced materials and nanotechnologies for cultural heritage conservation, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches that integrate material design, characterization, environmental assessment, and innovative analytical techniques. The workshop will showcase how emerging technologies can contribute to improving the durability, safety, and functionality of conservation treatments while supporting a deeper understanding of heritage materials and their interaction with the surrounding environment.
By bringing together experts from different scientific disciplines, the event aims to stimulate discussion on current challenges, foster collaborations across the fields of materials science, physics, chemistry, and conservation, and promote the development of sustainable strategies for the protection and valorisation of cultural heritage. The workshop is intended for researchers, conservation scientists, and professionals interested in the application of advanced technologies to the preservation of cultural heritage.