Range of Services
Art and cultural heritage are essential components of the history and identity of our society. Preserving these works and sharing knowledge about them are central to our research. Interdisciplinary teams at the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture approach these subjects from various perspectives.
Research + Development
The Institute Materiality in Art and Culture conducts both application- and development-oriented research as well as practical basic research. Our projects receive funding from various sources, including Innosuisse, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), other foundations and the private sector. Additionally, the Institute also holds mandates from the Swiss Confederation for the areas of European standardisation and from the Canton of Bern for the inventory of art in public space.
Contract Research and Services
At our institute, we specialize in carrying out material analyses on art and cultural heritage. We utilize a range of methods and instruments, some of which have been developed in-house. Our team's vast experience allows us to interpret the results effectively, providing valuable insights into the analysed materials.
- Analysis of layers using lock-in thermography
We specialize in developing research-based conservation and restoration concepts. Our team of experts offers valuable advice in this field:
- Consultancy and development of research-based concepts in conservation-restoration
- Consulting artists on age-related material changes and material choices
- Consultancy services to clients seeking assistance with the preservation of listed buildings, conversion measures or restoration projects.
We offer investigations in provenance research, work attribution and field research for artwork inventory:
- Field research, mediation and inventory of art in public spaces and art in architecture
- Advice on European standards in the field of cultural heritage conservation (CEN TC 346)
Infrastructure
The Institute Materiality in Art and Culture not only boasts excellent infrastructure but also benefits from the expertise of researchers from the HKB division of Conservation and Restoration and the HKB Art Technological Laboratory. Additionally, the media library provides a wealth of technological source material and literature from the fields of research and conservation science.
Teaching and Research
Pathways into research for lecturers
Lecturers have the opportunity to actively engage in research by either working on or leading research projects. This involvement aligns with the aim of employing lecturers and academic staff within the framework of the SERI (SBFI) mixed profile (refer to point 2 below). For individuals with a Master's degree who are interested in research, the funding programme provides an avenue for assistants and academic staff to enter the research field. This programme offers them the opportunity to contribute to research projects and further develop their expertise. Teaching lecturers, on the other hand, can participate in research through third-party funding or as SERI researchers within the framework of HKB preparatory projects.
1. Medium-term funding
As part of the funding program, graduates with a Master's degree, as well as assistants and research associates, have the opportunity to develop and submit research project proposals for second- and third-party funding. These proposals are prepared under the supervision of experienced researchers, who subsequently submit the projects collectively. In many cases, positions within the funding programme are combined with teaching positions, facilitating a desired exchange between research and teaching.
2. SBFI-researchers
Researchers who have a mixed profile, combining both teaching and research, with a total workload of 50% or more, and where one of the sub-profiles accounts for at least 20%, are recognized as SBFI-researchers. These research profiles are subsidized by SERI (SBFI) through basic funding, highlighting the institutes' strong commitment to supporting employees in achieving and maintaining such mixed profiles.
3. Continuing education
To ensure that researchers at the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture stay up to date and have the opportunity to publish their research findings, financial support is provided for active participation in symposia and conferences.
Interested?
Contact: Sebastian Dobrusskin, Head of the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture
Pathways into research for students
At the beginning of the Conservation and Restoration degree programme, the principles of scientific work are taught in the regular curriculum, encompassing both critical thinking and effective writing, as well as the systematic approach to practical work. The research-related courses then build upon this foundation, preparing students for their Master's thesis, which includes a compulsory research component. The Master's thesis serves as the final project of the Conservation and Restoration degree programme.
Research programmes for interested students and professionals
- Master degree with a focus on research
- Minor Research
- SWISS CRC – Research Course
- Lecture series Forschungs-Mittwoch
- Lecture series Donnerstags-Vorträge
Any questions?
Contact: Sebastian Dobrusskin, Head of the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture
Training + Continuing Education
The Institute maintains a close partnership with the division of Conservation and Restoration. A significant portion of the teaching staff is actively engaged in research activities.
Bachelor of Arts Konservierung
As part of their education, students are exposed to research results for the first time during their studies. Additionally, they have the opportunity to further explore research through optional attendance at the “Donnerstags-Vorträge” (Thursday Lectures) and “Forschungs-Mittwoch” (Research Wednesdays).
Master of Arts Conservation-Restoration
The Conservation and Restoration programme requires a research component in the Master’s thesis, and, in addition to providing the scientific tools, the programme offers the Swiss CRC Research Course (5 ECTS credits) and the option to pursue the Research Minor (15 ECTS credits). Moreover, students are encouraged to attend the lecture series “Donnerstags-Vorträge” (Thursday Lectures) and “Forschungs-Mittwoch” (Research Wednesdays).
CAS Interdisciplinary Work Attribution and Provenance Research
This new training programme, developed jointly with the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture, holds significant potential for both communicating research findings and generating new and relevant research questions.
