E-RIHS ERIC is officially one of the contributors to the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) – Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research. The conference theme is “Integrated Approaches to Characterisation and Conservation: Tracing Histories, Understanding Change, and Shaping Preservation”, and it will take place at the Les Diablerets Conference Centre in Switzerland, on July 12 – 17, 2026.
E-RIHS’s financial support to this five-day GRC event was also meant to foster graduate and PhD students’ participation, thereby helping young researchers explore how cross-disciplinary, methodologically integrated strategies drive meaningful progress in cultural heritage research.
As reported on the official programme, the sessions will delve into how these approaches can trace the layered histories of practice and use embedded in materials, reveal patterns of transformation and degradation over time, and ultimately shape forward-looking strategies for sustainable preservation. From high-resolution imaging and chemical analysis to data-driven modelling and historical, cultural, and artistic contextual interpretation, the program will span innovations that enhance our ability to tackle complexity, trace genesis and use, understand change, and support the long-term conservation of diverse cultural artefacts and built heritage.
Please note the application deadline is June 14, 2026. Better not to apply at the last minute, as some meetings become full before this deadline.
For all information, the detailed semi-final programme and contacts, please visit the GRC event page.
This GRC will be held in conjunction with the GRS – “Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research” Seminar titled “Rethinking Established and Emerging Analytical Techniques for Conservation, Art History and Archaeology”. This seminar will take place at the same venue on July 11 – 12, 2026. Those interested in attending both meetings must submit an application for both events.
