Laboratory

The KNIR lab for Material Culture Studies and Digital Analysis has been developed to allow for the study, documentation, conservation and restoration of all kinds of artefacts from the different fields of expertise of researchers working at the KNIR (ancient studies & archaeology, history, art history, cultural heritage, book science, museum studies). Facilities and instruments at disposal for lab users include, among others, a microscope, wireless colour reader, drawing tablet, photo box, camera tripod, photo scanner, sink and water, height-adjustable work tables, extendable shelves for storing find boxes and display cases for objects. The lab has been designed for working safely with chemical solvents that can be used for preservation and restoration purposes.

Besides the equipment needed for analysing and preserving objects, the lab also disposes of two workstations and several high-end devices for collecting and analysing geospatial data, forming a fully equipped digital lab. All computers are outfitted with the most commonly used software packages for GIS spatial analysis, structure-from-motion and 3D modelling, and graphic design.

The lab offers excellent opportunities for students and junior researchers to get acquainted with or further develop their practical skills and knowledge on how to work with material culture and digital data. For this goal, a series of specific courses and internships are developed, for instance, on working with different types of ceramics, or drone aerial photography, satellite imagery, and field data processing for the study of landscapes, cities, sites, buildings, monuments and objects.

The lab can host up to ten people. It is open for KNIR staff members, associated researchers, fellows and visiting senior researchers of our partner universities as well as visiting professors of the KNIR. Staff from other universities and institutes are welcome to work in the lab after permission is granted. The lab can be used by teams of research projects, education projects (e.g. courses, internships) or by single researchers for individual projects, for a period between 1 and 10 weeks. Their projects should be in line with the KNIR research interests and ambitions and create opportunities for the involvement and training of students or interns.

The lab can only be visited by appointment. To request access, please contact: laboratory knir.it

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30.

Besides general closing days of the Institute, the lab is not available for external users in the months of January and August.