Considering the importance of Cultural Heritage as a pillar for sustainable development and national identity, the HERCULES Laboratory ( University of Évora ), the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC) and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DGPC), through the José de Figueiredo (LJF) created the joint infrastructure (ERIHS.pt) dedicated to the material study of heritage assets, open to:
- Researchers and research teams in heritage sciences (eg art historians, archaeologists, conservators, etc.) and from other laboratories;
- Public institutions and private companies.
The partnership offers an open laboratory infrastructure that integrates Research, Development and Application (RD&A), in the field of Archaeometry and Conservation of Cultural Heritage.
Coordinator
Antonio Candeias
Universidade de Évora
Services offered in the country
- Dedicated instrumental infrastructures, unique in Portugal.
- More than 30 researchers with complementary knowledge and skills.
- In-depth knowledge and skills in the material and technical study of artistic, archaeological and architectural assets, including their material characterization, identification of pathologies and conservation.
- Unique documentary databases, including LNEC’s technical library, begun in the 19th century, and the LJF’s artwork sample bank and documentary archive.
- Extensive experience in advanced training; organization of international conferences and hosting and supervision of Master and Doctoral projects and programs (including an ERASMUS MUNDUS Master and a European Doctorate).
Thus, the four main objectives of ERIHS.pt are:
- Promote innovative research in heritage sciences, in particular through a policy of access to sophisticated instrumental means.
- Develop new methods and solutions for conservation.
- Promote advanced training and qualification programs.
- Coordinate interdisciplinary reference projects.
- Participate in the ERA.
