Challenges and Complexity in Characterization and Conservation

This second Gordon Research Conference on Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research offered exceptional opportunities to discuss the latest research advances on the material components, degradation phenomena and conservation strategies for cultural heritage objects. The symposium highlighted how innovative analytical techniques and sampling approaches can advance discoveries and overcome the limitations to analysis posed by hierarchically complex and often irreplaceable artifacts of the past and present.

The 2014 conference showcased the disciplines involved and techniques employed to study material culture at the level necessary to adequately characterize both the structure and chemistry required for the design of novel restoration and preservation strategies and for critical interpretation. The session demonstrated (a) how advances in analytical and imaging probes have afforded an unprecedented view of complex materials and (b) how such advances have led to innovative solutions for diagnosis of alteration mechanisms, treatment, and preventive conservation. Leading researchers representing chemistry, physics, biochemistry, materials science, art conservation, and archaeological science actively participated in the discussion. The conference explored diagnostic methods, modes of alteration, biodeterioration, prevention and treatment in conservation, along with the in-depth exploration of surface and 3-D transport phenomena.

The Conference offers a unique format that fosters extended and in-depth interdisciplinary discussion and provides a fruitful environment for the genesis of new research ideas by a diverse community of scientists and conservators at the forefront of their fields. Extended discussions took place during the sessions and speakers, and discussion leaders and attendees had numerous opportunities to interact outside of the structured sessions.

Museum and academic attendees, large scale facility scientists, archaeologists, archaeometrists, conservators and curators, industry representatives from instrument manufacturing companies, junior scientists and graduate students actively presented their work in a poster format. The participation of young investigators was robust and enthusiastic, benefiting from the allied Gordon Research Seminar on Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research (July 26-27, same location) which was specially designed to stimulate interaction and discussion between junior scientists.