Mechanical Insights Symposium

Mechanical Insights: Shaping the Future of Museum Collection Preservation

November 12–15, 2024

Getty Center, Los Angeles

This symposium brings together an international group of experts in the mechanical characterization of historic and artists’ materials to discuss current and future trends in the study and preservation of museum collections. We will create a forum to discuss how mechanical research can inform decision-making in the management of museum environments, practical conservation, and the transportation of art objects.

Slowing or preventing physical changes in art objects is a fundamental and challenging aim for collections preservation. The role of scientific research is critical in understanding and quantifying processes that can affect collections including, temperature- and humidity-induced strain, shock and vibration, material fatigue, damage by exposure to light and ultraviolet, chemical interactions with pollutants. Knowledge of such processes will better inform appropriate object conservation strategies.

In the absence of this information and data, it is common in the museum community to adopt a "risk averse" approach, which can lead to adherence to stringent procedures and environmental conditions that can be prohibitively expensive, unsustainable, and significantly limit access to objects.

Research over the past decade has collected detailed material data to understand physical behavior, support modeling of failure mechanisms and identify the critical conditions that lead to physical change of museum objects.

Several scientific groups have focused on the development of data-based predictive tools that reflect the nuances of these degradation models. These tools enable practitioners to select materials and construction types, and define an object's state of conservation. The relevance of such tools depends on the implementation of effective validation procedures.

• Laboratory testing of historical and mock-up samples to inform predictive models
• Analyzing the risks to objects under external loads or subject to unstable climatic conditions
• Validation of predictive models through in situ monitoring, case studies, and field campaigns
• New and emerging technologies for mechanical testing and analysis of physical changes in cultural heritage materials
• Development of data-based tools for predicting physical change to art objects
• Development of knowledge-based strategies for environmental management

The call for abstract submissions is open for poster and oral communications.

How to submit

Submissions of 400 words or fewer are accepted online via the symposium website only.

• Deadline for submission: May 27, 2024

• Notification of acceptance: June 17, 2024

Authors of the abstracts chosen for oral presentation will be expected to present their work as a 20-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute question-and-answer session. In addition, a select number of poster presenters will also have the opportunity to orally present their research during 3-minute flash presentations. All selected abstracts will be included in the symposium preprints.

Registration will open June 3, 2024 and will be available via the online form on the symposium website.

Early-bird registration ends October 24, 2024.

Registration wil include:

• morning and afternoon tea and coffee service for the three days of the symposium
• lunch for the three days of the symposium
• evening welcome reception

There will be a conference dinner for an additional fee.

The Getty Conservation Institute will provide financial support to a limited number of candidates. Those wishing to receive financial support should indicate this on the registration form with a brief justification. Priority will be given to participants accepted for poster or oral presentation.

The extent of support will be determined on a case-by-case basis after review of the candidate's application.

Program details will be available on the symposium website.

For questions about the program or to inquire about nearby accommodations, please contact mce@getty.edu