Special Session 5

SPECIAL SESSION #5

Chemico-physical measurements in Heritage Science

Marta Magalini

Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)

• marta.magalini@to.infn.it

Miriana Marabotto

Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)

• miriana.marabotto@to.infn.it

This special session will explore the latest advancements in chemical and physical measurements in cultural heritage research. Accurate and trustable measurement techniques enable scientists and conservators to assess material composition, construction techniques, dimensional information, degradation processes, and environmental influences on historical artifacts. The session will include methodological innovations and case studies encompassing a wide range of analytical techniques, from laboratory measurements to in-situ non-invasive testing.

A key aspect of this discussion will be the establishment of standardized protocols to ensure measurement accuracy, repeatability, and traceability in heritage science. Contributions will address the challenges of applying quantitative analysis to heterogeneous and aged materials and highlight the role of interdisciplinary collaborations in enhancing data reliability.

By fostering dialogue between metrologists, chemists, physicists, and heritage scientists, this session aims to advance measurement methodologies and support the long-term preservation of cultural heritage through rigorous scientific approaches.

Dr. Laura Guidorzi is currently a Research Technologist at the Physics Department of the University of Turin (Italy). She is a Material Scientist by training and she obtained her PhD in Chemical and Materials Sciences in 2021 from University of Turin with a thesis on the study of lapis lazuli ranging from the provenance determination to the investigation of its luminescence activators and quenchers. Her research activities focus on the application of physical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray imaging and Ion Beam Analysis to Cultural Heritage materials for provenance studies, preventive conservation and support to restoration.

Dr. Marta Magalini is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) in Turin. After earning a degree in Physics, she specialized in nuclear physics applied to Cultural Heritage during her PhD in Technologies for Cultural Heritage at the University of Turin. Her research focuses on the non-invasive characterization of Cultural Heritage materials using X-ray and proton beams.

Miriana Marabotto is currently a post-doc researcher of the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) in Turin. Her research focuses on the non-invasive characterisation of Cultural Heritage materials using X-ray and neutron beams. During her PhD in Metrology at Politecnico di Torino, she worked on the development and calibration of Bragg Edge Neutron Transmission analysis for archaeological bronzes characterisation.