Conveners: Maura Fugazzotto (Università di Catania), Alessia Coccato (Università di Oxford), Lucilla Fabrizi (Università di Firenze), Marilisa Yolanda Spironello (Università di Catania)
maura.fugazzotto@unict.it
maura.fugazzotto@unict.it
Museums are dynamic spaces that can bring communities together. One of their aims is to enhance the value of their collections, share them with the public and preserve them for future generations. Geomaterials are present in a variety of collections: natural history, science and technology, archaeology and fine arts. Geomaterials can support a better understanding of global challenges, such as climate change, critical resources, biodiversity and environmental conservation, bridging the gap between science and society. Their characterization and preservation serves as a starting point for enhancing the understanding of the collection preserved in the museum from various perspectives. This will be essential for developing restoration programs and exhibitions tailored to a modern audience, and to develop sustainable museum practices to adapt to the digital transition. New research programs on museum collections will also help address unresolved questions relevant to current scientific and cultural discussions. In this session we welcome interdisciplinary case studies on conservation and archaeometry, and innovative strategies and tools for public outreach and education, particularly focusing on museum collections along with the unique challenges related to their discovery and preservation and the development of cutting-edge educational programs they entail.