IAEA Panel Discussion

When: Tuesday 28^th May, 12:40-13:45 (during lunch)

Where: TBC

Preserving heritage and hence understanding our identity, history, and culture is part of our human behaviour. Nuclear analytical techniques have an important role as powerful and versatile tools for the characterisation, imaging and dating of cultural heritage objects and materials. The application of nuclear science and technologies can characterise materials used composing an object, identify the age, the elemental composition, the manufacturing technologies, and the source of the materials, trading routes among others. This information answers key questions from archaeologists, traditional owners, descendant communities, art historians, art conservators and museum curators to better understand not only the history of the objects but the associated societal interactions in the past and present. 

The IAEA Physics Section is pursuing the development and application of nuclear analytical techniques in the field of heritage science [1-4]. X-rays, ion beams and neutron-based techniques form the core part of the analytical capabilities. A new IAEA coordinated research project is in the pipeline to foster collaboration and research in the field of heritage science. Indigenous Cultural Heritage is being considered as its main scope. This panel discussion will give an opportunity to the participants to share their views and ideas, express their needs and gaps as well as advise the IAEA on possible avenues on this comprehensive topic, to foster international collaboration. Participants both from nuclear science and humanities are welcome to attend.  

If you are interested in attending, please register for this event.
For further information contact Aliz Simon at Aliz.Simon@iaea.org