Heritage Science – a new discipline

There is no doubt that heritage resources are a value of exceptional importance that should be cared for, as they are one of the most important elements of the identity of individuals, local, national and pan-national communities. In economic terms, heritage resources are often the basis for the cultural industry and tourism development, and thus contribute to sustainable development and employment and wealth. Like every important sector of the economy, it is supported by scientific research. Heritage science is a new discipline growing at the crossroads of science and humanities where state-of-the-art tools of natural, environmental and technical sciences are merged with specific needs of the humanities represented by history of art and conservation. All these fields of expertise are necessary to broaden and deepen our knowledge about heritage objects but also to cultural heritage assets in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner. The interdisciplinarity aspects require not only bringing together researchers from a range of disciplines but a unique approach to educating a qualified cohort of professionals.