Professional opportunities
Functions
The Master's Degree course in Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage - Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage aims to train experts in diagnostics and science and technology applied to cultural heritage with multidisciplinary skills derived from knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, physics, and natural sciences applied to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, combined with additional basic knowledge of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
This professional figure will be able to:
- develop diagnostic projects and direct their implementation for all categories of cultural heritage subject to the provisions of the Code. In this context, they will be able to examine and monitor cultural heritage and its environment for conservation and restoration purposes using conventional and advanced scientific instruments;
- analyze and interpret data relating to the constituent materials of cultural heritage and the processes of its degradation.
- interpret scientific results for the purpose of better conservation and restoration of both movable and immovable heritage;
- define, develop, and evaluate the most suitable materials for the execution of restoration work, conservation measures, methods, and technologies, and the development of standards and guidelines in these areas;
- be responsible for conducting diagnostic studies before, during, and after restoration and conservation work on movable property;
- collaborate on an equal footing in the conduct and planning of diagnostic projects relating to immovable property with regard to both invasive and non-invasive scientific investigations;
- be responsible for the development of technological innovation activities in the cultural heritage sector;
- disseminate the scientific principles of their disciplinary and professional expertise and promote scientific research
in the field of conservation;
- cooperate with other figures involved in the entire conservation and restoration process by monitoring the effectiveness of the restoration work and the state of conservation over time.
Skills
Graduates with a master's degree in Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage:
- are able to use and apply complex analytical techniques and instruments for chemical, physical, mineralogical, and biological diagnostics in the field of cultural heritage conservation;
- are able to design or collaborate in the design, monitoring, and verification of restoration interventions, using even complex analytical instruments, and are familiar with the structural characteristics of the asset in question, as well as the characteristics and properties of the materials and their degradation;
- is able to perform specialist diagnostic analyses on materials, even in contexts not strictly related to cultural heritage;
- knows how to use computer systems for the management and processing of analytical data and documentation of the state of conservation and interventions carried out.
Career opportunities
Continuation of studies at the third level to obtain a PhD or equivalent qualification abroad.
Employment opportunities in:
- Universities and public and private research institutions. In this context, the Conservation Scientist can carry out research in the field of conservation, conducting studies on materials and degradation processes, developing new methodologies for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, mitigating the risk of climate-induced degradation of cultural heritage materials (movable and immovable), and identifying solutions that combine conservation requirements the sustainability of conservation and restoration actions aimed at achieving global climate change mitigation objectives.
-Institutions of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) responsible for the protection of cultural heritage (superintendence offices, museums, libraries, archives, etc.). In this context, the “Conservation Scientist” can provide technical and scientific support in assessing the state of conservation of cultural heritage, carry out diagnostic investigations, and propose appropriate interventions.
- Restoration laboratories. In this context, professionals carry out chemical, physical, or biological analyses on constituent materials, providing essential data for planning restoration work and experimenting with innovative restoration products and methodologies.
- Companies and professional organizations operating in the field of diagnostics, conservation, and restoration of cultural heritage. In this context, the “Conservation Scientist” profile can operate as a specialist in diagnostics and the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, proposing and adopting sustainable measures that have a low environmental impact.