COST ACTION G8
Non-destructive analysis and testing of museum objects
|
|
COST ACTION G8Non-destructive analysis and testing of museum objects |
|
|
Last Update 22 September 2006 |
|
Other forthcoming meetings on Archaeometry Networks or websites of special interest to G8 members PhD positions - Scholarships
|
The conservation and preservation
of our cultural heritage has become one of the main concerns within Europe
today. In particular the increasing need for non-destructive investigations
is a major issue, as sampling is often restricted in view of the value
or the uniqueness of the object. Even in the case sampling is allowed,
non-destructive testing offers the possibility of obtaining more information
on one specific sample, as complementary techniques may be applied.
In the natural sciences many non-destructive techniques are available, such as e.g. ion beam analysis, autoradiography and optical spectroscopy, that can in principle be used in this field. Museums however do not always have access to these techniques, while many of these research instruments and analytical facilities are located in specialized research institutes, as they require very specific expertise. In addition some techniques may still need to be introduced and established in the field of cultural heritage. The COST Action G8 has been established with the aim at creating a European wide environment that enables the co-operation and interaction between people directly concerned with the maintenance of our cultural heritage (i.e. art historians, archaeologists and conservators) and natural scientists (i.e. physicists, chemists, material scientists, etc.). The main objective of the COST Action G8 is to achieve a better preservation and conservation of our cultural heritage by increasing the knowledge in museum objects through non-destructive analysis and testing. COST is an intergovernmental framework for European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research, allowing the coordination on a European level nationally funded research projects. The scientific activities of the COST G8 Action include organizing short-term scientific missions to train scientists of both groups in the others field as well as to transfer practical experience between the European countries. Six working groups are active and allow a close collaboration for an extended and efficient exchange of knowledge within a specific topic. These topics include technology and techniques of manufacture, origin and provenance, degradation processes corrosion and weathering, preservation and conservation, authenticity and authentication, development of analysis methods. Regular meetings in the form of workshops are organized to exchange obtained knowledge in a broader group, to discuss new themes and to enhance the interest and give the possibility of new collaborations. The Action started on December 21, 2000 and has a duration of four years. 20 countries are participating in the management committee. For further details and information about the possibility of joining the Action, please contact the Chairperson, Prof. Mieke Adriaens. |
||
| Action Coordinator: Mieke ADRIAENS |
Action Webmaster: Manolis
PANTOS
|