ICCROM is very pleased to announce the launch of the Mora Samples Collection catalogue as an open access research resource. The Mora samples collection is an extraordinary scientific scholarly resource comprising over 1 200 material samples that bears witness to the complexity and diversity of wall painting as a medium for cultural expression across different civilizations and time periods.

ICCROM and its partners in Ukraine are sending out a call for papers to participate in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Restoration of architectural monuments under the conditions of high level of subsoil waters and increased interior humidity” which will take place on 24-25 October 2019 at the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve.

The anticipated innovations include active and intelligent display cases, storage crates and archival boxes to improve exhibition, storage and transport conditions for museum, archives, libraries and private collections. To provide critical guidance for the project please take this survey and share your experience.

An important part of ICCROM’s work is to monitor and share new scientific findings, and identify knowledge gaps. By tracking developments and highlighting key issues in research, ICCROM looks to stimulate analysis and debate with the goal of improving the sector’s ability to address current needs and future challenges.

The 2018 edition of Green Lab will show “Green” methods and solutions, both innovative and ready to use, for cultural heritage restoration. The aim of the course is to give insight into use of these materials and methods by professionals, especially restorers, in order to: observe the applicability, efficiency and effectiveness of the solutions presented; discuss the advantages and limitations together with the developers.

This short video offers a glimpse inside the ICCROM Mora Sample Collection, to share with you the findings of a new project launched in early 2018, and see the project team at work. The Mora Sample Collection is an important archive of historic wall paintings samples and fragments collected from heritage sites from around the world.

Cultural heritage narrates our human story. Imagine what our lives would be like without it: our cities without museums and monuments, our families without stories and old photographs. Our heritage is a defining feature of our existence, our sameness and our differences. So why then is it often so difficult to persuade decision-makers that it deserves consideration? When budgets are being allocated and development plans set into motion, heritage is not often a priority.

Research is a communicative process. Its value is enhanced through knowledge exchange and incorporation into practice. Though impact has always been the primary motivation for research, designing research that generates impact beyond academia is not straightforward. It takes time, commitment, and a supportive working environment.

Demonstrating impact is a high priority in many fields – especially those which rely on effective fundraising and public support for survival – and in recent years there has been increasing activity in this area with regard to culture and cultural heritage. However, while there is growing recognition of the importance of evaluating outcomes and impact, at the same time there are widespread difficulties in establishing common frameworks, language and methods.