Il ruolo degli scienziati nel campo dei Beni Culturali

Heritage science can provide multiple valuable contributions in the knowledge, preservation, restoration and valorisation of cultural heritage, including artworks, historical and archaeological objects. The applied knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, petrography, math, information technology IT, art history, archaeology, heritage law and economy, in fact, primarily allow these experts to: (i) characterise materials of cultural heritage objects, significantly contributing to define their identity; (ii) monitor their preservation state, especially before and after restoration interventions; (iii) produce, study and validate new materials for restoration and conservation procedures; and (iv) raise public awareness towards the inestimable value of cultural and artistic heritage, for instance integrating museum tours with diagnostic results about the collections. The main strength of this professional figure is represented by its versatile ability to collaborate with other experts such as restorers, art historians and museum curators, thus bringing the artwork conservation into sharp focus. Heritage scientists will also play a pivotal role in the field of conservation of cultural heritage in future scenarios characterised by technological innovation and new digital tools.