Research group
Conservation Research
Preserving knowledge – sustainably safeguarding collection objects
Research
A core mission of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is the preservation of natural heritage. Building on many years of experience, the long-term conservation and usability of scientifically valuable objects are ensured for future generations. Conservation research plays a key role in better understanding and investigating ageing processes across the museum’s diverse object groups – from meteorites to preserved ladybirds – as well as in optimizing and further developing conservation methods.
Research questions arise directly from the day-to-day work with objects and materials. The findings feed directly into practical applications and strategic planning. At the same time, knowledge transfer and capacity building, as central pillars of this field of research, ensure strong networks and the long-term consolidation of acquired knowledge.
In particular, new approaches to preventive conservation – whether in dealing with biocide-contaminated collection material, developing intelligent storage and packaging systems, or advancing emergency preparedness – are crucial steps in sustainably strengthening the resilience of our collection.
As part of the Agenda 2030 of the Leibniz Research Museums, conservation research is a key topic within the Collection Future science programme. It is guided by the following key questions:
- How can we ensure the long-term integrity and usability of our physical objects in a sustainable way?
- What do intelligent storage and packaging systems look like?
- How can usability and occupational safety be effectively combined when handling biocide-contaminated collection materials?
Lead
Dr. Christiane Quaisser
Scientist
Christiane.Quaisser@mfn.berlin
Focus areas
Materials research and sustainable preservation
The focus of conservation research lies in investigating ageing and degradation processes of the diverse materials within the collection, as well as in developing sustainable methods and intelligent technologies for the protection and long-term preservation of valuable collection objects.
Improving the storage and packaging of objects is also of great importance in light of extensive collection relocations and the planning of new storage facilities.
Handling biocide-contaminated collection material
Another key area is the development and implementation of new methods for the identification, assessment and safe handling of biocide-contaminated materials. In particular, dry-preserved biological specimens – such as insects, birds, mammals and plants – have been treated with various toxic substances to protect them from pests and mould.
The aim of this research and development is to minimise risks for staff when handling these objects.
Risk preparedness and preventive conservation
Against the backdrop of climate change and the increasing threats to cultural heritage from a wide range of crises, emergency planning and disaster risk reduction as part of preventive conservation are becoming dramatically more important. The focus is on developing emergency plans and preparedness measures to enable rapid and effective responses to unexpected events that could endanger the collection, as well as on promoting knowledge exchange and close collaboration at regional, national and international levels.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Research networks and knowledge transfer
A key component of this work is active participation in the Leibniz Research Network Preservation. Within its working groups, central topics such as biocides, sustainability and emergency planning are addressed. The network also promotes exchange with other stakeholders in the field of conservation research, for example the Research Alliance for Cultural Heritage, the Platform for Conservation Science, and international partners such as the Smithsonian and the University of Cambridge Museums, thereby contributing to strengthening the political visibility of this field.
Specific projects include enhancing the environmental resilience of valuable cultural heritage, evaluating the effectiveness of dust removal systems for reducing biocide contamination, and developing concepts for dealing with pyrite decay.
These interdisciplinary research approaches require close collaboration with external partners who provide specialised expertise. Key disciplines include materials science, chemistry, genetics, microbiology and engineering.
The Museum für Naturkunde is an active partner in the Research Alliance for Cultural Heritage (FALKE), the European Partnership for Resilient Cultural Heritage, and collaborates with a range of institutional and private-sector partners, including the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, the Centre for Book Conservation, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology, the Leibniz Research Museums, Care for Art, and the Rathgen Research Laboratory of the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz.
