Report expresses concern for cultural heritage research in ERA
The European Parliament's scientific and technological options assessment unit (STOA) has questioned proposals for large research projects within the European research area (ERA), saying that they could impair cultural heritage research. The claim comes in the conclusions of a study by STOA on 'technological requirements for solutions in the conservation and protection of historic monuments and archaeological remains'. STOA is an official organ of the European Parliament, but consists of external experts commissioned by the Parliament to undertake studies which it believes would assist MEPs in their policy shaping role. 'Small, flexible, focused interdisciplinary teams responsive to European needs must be sustained, promoted and celebrated as models of sustainability,' argues the paper. 'What is proposed under the European research area (ERA) for large and complex research projects could inflict serious damage on this area of research,' it continues. The solution to this and other weaknesses in this field identified by the study is the establishment of 'European panel on the application of science for cultural heritage', claims the report. The study claims that cultural heritage research must be conducted at European level on account of its interdisciplinary nature, arguing that national research efforts merely serve local needs. Activities must also integrate basic and applied research and communication between related sectors such as construction, urban regeneration, land reclamation and agriculture must be improved if the field is to continue to thrive, concludes the study. The study also identifies a number of achievements relating to European support for cultural heritage research, including the creation of an active, high quality research community, the continuation of effective research after initial funding has ended, a high publication rate, the introduction of imaginative dissemination tools, a significant number of spin offs and visible contributions to the shaping of European legislation, for example in the area of air quality management.