BAM contributes its expertise in materials science and cultural technology to the consortium
Source: BAM
The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is committed to preserving cultural heritage with its expertise in materials science. BAM is now bringing this expertise to the Berlin Antiquities College (BAK) as a new partner. The association promotes and strengthens research in the field of ancient studies in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and raises its profile at national and international level. In addition to BAM, new members include the Technical University of Berlin, the University of Potsdam, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
“The collaboration with these outstanding institutions underscores the Berlin Antike-Kolleg's commitment to advancing ancient studies in the region through interdisciplinary projects and innovative approaches,” said Prof. Dr. Philip van der Eijk (Humboldt University Berlin), spokesperson for the Berlin Antike-Kolleg's executive board.
“We are delighted to become a member of a strong network and to advance the cooperation that already exists in joint research projects,” explains Prof. Dr. Oliver Hahn, head of the BAM's division Analysis of Artefacts and Cultural Assets.
BAM brings its expertise in materials science and cultural technology to the network. This includes the non-destructive analysis of written documents, graphics, and paintings. The focus here is on pigments, writing and drawing materials, and writing and drawing media. It investigates the interactions between cultural artifacts and external environmental influences and how damaging effects, e.g., from volatile pollutants in museum building materials, can be minimized for the long-term and sustainable preservation of the artifacts. The BAM also supports restoration and conservation measures with its scientific expertise. Modern technologies for mobile and non-destructive material analysis are used for this purpose. These include imaging techniques such as mass spectrometry, elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence, and chemical analysis using vibration spectroscopy (infrared and Raman spectroscopy).
With its new partners, the Berlin Antiquities College is pooling the expertise, specific knowledge, and resources of ten leading research institutions. In addition to the new members, the cooperation partners include the Freie Universität Berlin (FU), the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU), the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK).
The aim of this comprehensive cooperation is the strategic advancement of ancient studies in the region, with a focus on the development and implementation of new interdisciplinary joint projects.