CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Approach
Molecular spectroscopies, such as FTIR, Raman, and FORS, play a pivotal role in the cultural heritage field, offering non-invasive or minimally invasive, highly effective methods to probe the composition of objects of archaeological, historical, and artistic significance. These techniques allow for the detection and characterization of materials at the molecular level, providing essential insights into the chemical makeup of ancient and contemporary artifacts without causing any damage. They are indispensable tools in the study and conservation of cultural heritage, enabling professionals to assess the condition of objects, investigate their degradation processes, and make informed decisions about possible treatment and preservation strategies. Through their ability to analyze a wide range of materials—including pigments, binders, metals, ceramics, textiles, and stone—molecular spectroscopies facilitate a deeper understanding of the techniques used by present and past civilizations, helping to preserve many invaluable items for future generations.
This publication, divided into two volumes, will address both foundational knowledge and the latest advancements in molecular spectroscopies, ensuring that students, young professionals, and recognized experts can effectively apply them in the dynamic field of cultural heritage research. Volume 1 will lay out the theoretical principles of FTIR, Raman, and FORS, offering insights into different modes of analysis, such as micro/macro, spot analysis, and chemical imaging. It will also explore various sampling methods and types of instrumentation available—ranging from benchtop setups to portable devices for in-situ analysis of immovable objects in museums, conservation storages, archaeological sites, as well as built heritage. This versatility is a defining feature of these techniques, making them indispensable for both laboratory and field applications. Building upon the theory introduced in the first volume, volume 2 will showcase relevant case studies, demonstrating how FTIR, Raman, and FORS have been successfully applied in real-world scenarios.
This publication will explore the latest advances in instrumentation, analytical methodologies, and data analysis tools that have recently enhanced the capabilities of FTIR, Raman, and FORS, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of material characterization. This approach will ensure that readers are not only familiar with what has been done in the past, but also equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of emerging innovations. Both volumes will emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, highlighting the complementary strengths and limitations of these techniques when addressing multi-material objects; they will also encourage an interdisciplinary perspective, where results are framed within the broader context of a work’s conservation history and significance. Overall, this publication aims to offer valuable insights for students, young professionals, and established experts alike, providing a balanced mix of theoretical and practical knowledge for those engaged in science, conservation, and cultural heritage research.
Topics
This publication will focus on FTIR, Raman, and FORS spectroscopies, aiming to highlight their respective potentialities and limitations, while exploring both established practices and latest innovations. We particularly welcome papers presenting contributions related to the following topics:
- FTIR spectroscopy - elements of theory, transmission micro/macro-FTIR, micro/macro-attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-FTIR, external reflection (ER)-FTIR, mapping, imaging, and synchrotron applications, benchtop and portable instrumentation, techniques’ potentialities and limitations
- Raman spectroscopy - elements of theory, normal Raman, spatially-offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), SESORS, benchtop and portable instrumentation, techniques’ potentialities and limitations
- Fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) - elements of theory, FORS, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS), techniques’ potentialities and limitations
- Advancing the techniques’ capabilities from single-location analysis to chemical imaging
- Latest developments in terms of analytical methodologies, instrumentation and technology, as well as methods and tools for data analysis and processing
- Innovative statistical approaches for enhanced data interpretation
- Challenges and future directions in the development and application of molecular spectroscopies in the field of cultural heritage study, research, and conservation
- Combined use of multiple molecular spectroscopies, highlighting their complementary nature, to tackle complex case studies featuring multi-material objects
- Importance of an interdisciplinary approach in which scientific analysis not only enhances archaeological and art historical scholarship, but also informs the design of optimal conservation strategies
- Novel case studies featuring built heritage and artifacts of archaeological, historical, and artistic significance
Submission
The editors of Conservation 360º invite potential contributors interested in publishing in this collection to submit an abstract to the publisher’s website: https://editorialupv.webs.upv.es/colecciones-edupv/conservation-360/
If you are interested but not certain about your contribution, please check with the editors before submitting.
For further information please contact the editors.
About Conservation 360º
Conservation 360º is a series of multi- and cross-disciplinary books on current themes in the conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage. This series makes available technical studies to conservators-restorers, conservation scientists, art historians, professionals and students from related disciplines and provides a broad, up-to-date and rigorous perspective on topics related to the preservation of cultural heritage, its study and documentation.
Conservation 360º series (peer reviewed, open access and bilingual English/Spanish) aims to carry the Spanish Academic Publishing Quality label (CEA-APQ). This quality label has recently been created by the Union of Spanish University Publishers (UNE), the National Agency for the Evaluation of Quality and Accreditation (ANECA) and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and ensures the highest scientific quality as well as the informative and editorial value of the series. Vol.3 on Education and Pedagogy has been awarded the CEA/APQ Quality Seal for Academic Publishing Monographies in 2024.
https://monografias.editorial.upv.es/index.php/con_360/about
Guest Editors in vol.5
Contact details for authors interested in submitting a chapter:
-Francesca Caterina IZZO (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)
fra.izzo@unive.it
Francesca Caterina Izzo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She specializes in Conservation and Heritage Science, focusing on the chemical analysis and preservation of cultural heritage materials, in particular Modern and Contemporary painted art. Her research includes studies on modern oil paints, understanding failure mechanisms and degradation of artistic materials. She has significantly contributed to Conservation Science through numerous publications and oral presentations. She is the Director of the Master's Degree in Conservation Science and Technology for Cultural Heritage at @cafoscari and has been awarded by AIAr (Associazione Italiana di Archeometria) in recognition of her research in the field of cultural heritage and conservation science.
-Federica POZZI (Centro per la Conservazione ed il Restauro dei Beni Culturali “La Venaria Reale”)
federica.pozzi@ccrvenaria.it
Federica Pozzi is the Director of Scientific Laboratories at the Centro per la Conservazione ed il Restauro dei Beni Culturali “La Venaria Reale”, Turin, Italy. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences in 2012 from the University of Milan, Italy. Prior to her current appointment, Federica held positions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, CUNY, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. She was recently awarded the Professional Membership of the AIC and a Fellowship of the IIC in recognition of her professional achievements and contributions to the conservation science profession.
Important dates
- Abstracts submission: May 1st 2025
- Pre-selection of papers for peer review: June 1st 2025
- Submission of full-length manuscripts: December 31st 2025
- Expected publication: Fall 2026
Instructions for abstract submission
a) Abstracts should describe original, unpublished work.
b) Authors are allowed to submit a maximum of ONE abstract as a first author and TWO as co-author.
c) Abstracts must be written in ENGLISH. Authors whose native language is not English are advised to have the text proof read by a native English speaker, before submitting their abstracts.
d) Abstracts must contain the following information:
- AUTHOR(s) FULL NAME
- CONTACT AUTHOR
- AFFILIATION
- TELEPHONE NUMBER
- E-MAIL ADDRESS
- TITLE OF THE PAPER
- KEY WORDS
- ABSTRACT (max. 500 words)
e) Abstracts must be submitted in Word Format, Arial, 10 pt, single-spaced, left-justified. The text should not contain tabs.
f) A maximum of 10 illustrations or tables are allowed (jpeg format, 300 ppi max.)
g) Please indicate whether you intend your paper to be a methodology chapter or a chapter discussing a case-study.
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