A course on the conservation of wooden cultural heritage
Buildings and Objects of Faith
Collectively, buildings of faith represent some of the world's oldest and most remarkable surviving wooden buildings, yet they often present unique challenges and complex issues associated with respecting both tangible and intangible values. In this first thematic ICWCT, we explore different approaches to the conservation and use of these buildings worldwide – both in the analysis of the exteriors as well as the often-complex interiors including wooden furniture, artefacts, sculptures and art.
Partners
- ICCROM - International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
- Riksantikvaren - The Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Norway
- NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Background and content
The ICWCT was initiated in response to a UNESCO recommendation and has been held in Norway every two years since 1984. It is designed for professionals with several years of work experience in the field of wood conservation. The course covers a wide range of interdisciplinary topics related to both buildings and objects made of wood.
The ICWCT 2026 will be held in two parts:
Online using digital platforms: 23 March – 1 June 2026
On-site in Norway: 8 June – 24 June 2026
Aim and objectives
The aim of the course is to promote cultural understanding and research in the field of wood conservation, and to be a valuable resource for the work of the participants in their respective countries. This edition of the course will focus on wooden buildings of faith. The main objectives of the course are:
- to establish a basic knowledge of wood, and the processing and use of woodin both structural and decorative applications.
- to give participants the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for diagnosing the causes of deterioration, and for selecting the most appropriate methods of conservation and restoration of wood.
- to broaden participants’ understanding of wood conservation by extending their knowledge beyond their own professions and exposing them to different aspects and approaches.
- to bring together people from different professions, countries, and cultures, for a mutual learning experience, drawing on different backgrounds, practices and approaches to wood conservation and use of wooden materials.
The course programme
The curriculum is structured into distinct but interconnected units covering: conservation theory and principles; properties of wood; biodeterioration, decay ,and damage caused by fungi and insects; preventative conservation and climatology; climate change and its effect on wooden cultural heritage; and the conservation of wooden objects and furniture, buildings, and structures.
The ICWCT 2026 course programme will include an online theoretical course as well as an on-site, more practical component in Norway.
The online course uses Digit as the course platform. Teams will be used for synchronous meetings. Each week requires approximately 20 hours of study and coursework. This time includes approx. 2 hours of live meetings with synchronous participation and discussion. Please note that live meetings are usually held between the hours of 1 – 3 pm CET so flexibility might be required, depending on time-zone. A good and stable internet connection is necessary. The course is intensive, and we recommend that participants make sure they set aside sufficient time to be able to concentrate on the course.
Practical on-site course in Norway: After completing the online training, participants will be invited to Norway for a two-week on-site course. The full-time programme includes a tour around central and southern Norway and meeting several of the lecturers that you already met online in-person. We examine the theory you have studied and apply it in real life. This includes viewing case-studies and building sites as well as attending practical workshops, sessions at conservation sites, and in-museum workshops.
As this year’s course has a particular focus on buildings of faith, most of the sites we visit on the tour will reflect this. We will see several examples of the Norwegian Stave Churches which are some of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world.
A full and detailed course programme will be distributed to successful applicants.
Lecturers
Lecturers from varous countries, backgrounds, and professional experience, who are recognized experts within the conservation field, will contribute to the course.
Exam
The course concludes with an exam giving 15 (ECT) university credits from The Norwegian University of Science and Technology if passed. A full-time presence – both online and on-site, and active participation with completion of all assignments are requirements to obtain the course certificate.
Fees
Course participation is free of charge for the selected participants.
Travel, accommodation and living expenses
Participants are responsible for:
- their own travel costs to Norway
- for their own visa application and personal insurance
- public transport within Oslo and Trondheim
- their own food
- private expenses
Provided:
- student accommodation for the period of the course is available free of charge for course participants
- participants are responsible for their own food expenses for the duration of the course, though some meals may be provided
- travel around Norway is provided free of charge
Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, their employers, or funding agencies. Depending on availability of funding, the course organizers may be able to offer a very limited number of scholarships to selected candidates.
Participants
Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a minimum of three years’ experience working with wood. It is of great importance for the success of the course that the participants have relevant experience and benefit from the exchange of ideas.
The number of participants is limited to 20. Please keep in mind that course participants should possess a standard level of fitness and mobility.
Language
The working language of the course is English. A good knowledge of both oral and written English is essential.
Applications
Please fill out the ICCROM application online form. To finalize the application, the following must be uploaded online. All the documentation must be submitted in English.
- Portrait photo (allowed formats: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff, with a maximum file size of 3 MB)
- Official endorsement (allowed formats: pdf, doc, docx, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff with a maximum file size of 5 MB)
- A full professional curriculum vitae (allowed formats: pdf, doc, docx with a maximum file size of 5 MB)
- A brief report (max 2 pages) answering the following questions: (allowed formats: pdf, doc, docx, with a maximum file size of 5 MB)
- Describe a conservation project involving wood conservation for which you are or have been actively involved. Explain what made this object or building worth conserving to you and your wider community. If you have experience from a conservation project connected to a building of faith, religious pieces of furniture or artefacts, we invite you to use it as a case. If not, feel free to use another project.
- How is it made and what is typical about that in your tradition?
- How was it damaged and what did you do about it?
Please note that your personal statement in the application form is a fundamental requirement. You are expected to write: “Why you are applying to this course, what you hope to learn from it, and how it will benefit your professional development and your institution.”
Application deadline
Applications should reach ICCROM by 30 September 2025 to ensure inclusion in our selection process.
All applicants will be notified before 1 December 2025. For further information regarding the course, please contact:
Ms Anne Nyhamar (The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage), e-mail: anne.nyhamar@ra.no