Advancing research and preservation efforts for cultural and natural heritage assets
Within the framework of E-RIHS.eu, Malta’s national node – E-RIHS.mt https://erihs.gov.mt/ recently organised a week-long Pilot Training School on “Understanding the past through fragments – archival and scientific methods” for local stakeholders participating in the National Node.
The school was headed by a subcommittee formed from the E-RIHS.mt steering committee, consisting of JoAnn Cassar (E-RIHS.mt National Node Coordinator), Elizabeth Muscat Azzopardi (E-RIHS.mt secretary), Kevin Borda (Superintendence of Cultural Heritage), and Fr. Nicholas Doublet (Archdiocese of Malta).
Focused on archival and archaeometric research and analysis, the Training School’s main case study was focused on the recent conservation and restoration project of the Church of the Madonna tal-Ħniena (Qrendi), undertaken by the Restoration and Preservation Department of the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, together with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and support from Heritage Malta. Participants, drawn from local partners, enjoyed several consecutive days of interacting on a professional level, with theoretical lectures being held in the mornings and practical sessions in the afternoons. Teamwork was essential to the success of the Training School – something which was greatly appreciated by the participants. Observers from the E-RIHS.mt Steering Committee, present throughout the week, helped evaluate the success of the Training School by providing valuable feedback. The participants were welcomed on the first day by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and the Superintendent for Cultural Heritage. Dr Vania Virgili (E-RIHS Interim Director General) and Mim Andrews (part of the E-RIHS training strategy sub-group) also attended and gave valuable contributions to the Training School.
The successful conclusion of the Pilot Training School marks a significant step towards enhancing heritage science, its dissemination and also education at a multi-disciplinary level, and fostering collaboration within the local and international heritage community. As E-RIHS continues to evolve, initiatives like these demonstrate its commitment to advancing research and preservation efforts for cultural and natural heritage assets, and its investment in high-level training and cooperation of heritage professionals.
