science for the conservation-restoration of cultural heritage

The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage is an interdisciplinary field requiring close cooperation between conservator-restorers, archaeologists, (art) historians, collection managers and museum curators on the one hand, and Conservation scientists on the other. While the natural sciences, as well as engineering, play a crucial role in the proper selection of conservation materials, methods and strategies, scientific research in conservation is often conducted by scientists who originally come from outside the cultural heritage field. These scientists thus lack the affinity with the cultural heritage and conservation fields necessary to fully understand and communicate the significance, but also the consequences of their work, to non-technical colleagues.
In order to promote the synergy between the cultural heritage field, and the natural sciences and engineering, the University of Bologna launched a 2nd level Degree Course in Science for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage (SCoRe). The goal of SCORE is to develop the first generation of "true" Conservation Scientists at an international level.
The syllabus has been developed internationally by taking into consideration the results achieved through the implementation of two European projects (CURRIC [1] and UNICONS [2]) specifically aimed at the development of post-graduate curricula for conservation scientists.

The SCORE program, which is completely taught in English, is aimed at the education and training of Conservation scientists, that is to say scientists with further knowledge in conservation (ethics, history, cultural values, historical technologies, past and present conservation technologies and practice, specific scientific aspects, etc.) which enables him/her to contribute to the study and conservation of cultural heritage within an interdisciplinary team.

At the end of the course graduate conservation scientists will be able to:
•Study, investigate and monitor cultural heritage and its environment with respect to conservation and preservation.
•Define, develop and evaluate conservation concepts, materials, measures, methods and techniques and develop standards and guidelines.
•Providediagnosisbefore,duringandafterconservation-restoration interventions.
•Conduct research on causes and mechanisms of deterioration and interpret scientific results for the benefit of the conservation of cultural heritage.
•Communicate the scientific principles of conservation and promote scientific research in conservation.
• Co-operate with other disciplines.

[1] R. Mazzeo, “CURRIC: a European project for postgraduate conservation training”, ICCROM Newsletter, 30, pp.11, June 2004
[2] “Guidelines for Post Graduated Education and training in Conservation Science (for cultural heritage)”, funded by the EU Alfa programme.

Presentazione del Corso di Studio