This does not mean that there is no place for long-term, strategic research, but that any worthwhile research must contribute ultimately to the care and conservation of the heritage. At the GCI, the emphasis is on applicability. Scientists provide essential information to conservators about deterioration causes, principal factors influencing the damage mechanisms, and compatible materials. Working with the conservators, they design conservation treatments and evaluate treatment performance. At present, GCI scientists are engaged in fundamental applied research to conserve museum and collections objects, as well as building materials and structures.
Current projects exemplify the collaboration between scientists in the laboratory and conservators.
We have also evaluated new and promising treatments to improve cleaning of painted surfaces of objects and works of art. This research includes studying the consequences of the use of gels and solvent-based systems for cleaning painted surfaces. In these projects and in others, scientists and conservators gather to establish relevant research questions and objectives, as well as to identify fundamental issues surrounding the conservation treatments of the works of art in order to design experimental procedures and interpret the research results. The concept of collaboration extends to organizations. In conducting its research, the GCI works closely with research institutions in other parts of the world.