In this episode we ask experts in Conservation and Conservation Research about the challenges they face in preserving our history, and why heritage conservation is important in today's times. Do we need more science and engineering researchers in the field of conservation? How is their work impacted by climate change?

This episode is part of our SERCH series (Science and Engineering Research for Cultural Heritage). For more episodes, please look at our episode list.

Guests

Micheal Paraskos - Profile | Imperial College London Evening Class Manager Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication, at Imperial

Jasmin McKenzie - LinkedIn Modern and Contemporary Sculpture and Installations Conservator, PhD student V&A, Imperial

Kate Jennings - Kate Jennings | Tutor at West Dean College Subject Leader, Conservation Studies specialising in Metalwork

Marc Vermeulen - LinkedIn Head of Heritage Science - Conservation Research, at The National Archives

Sonja Schwoll - LinkedIn Head of Conservation and Treatment Development, at The National Archives

Katerina Williams - LinkedIn Book and Paper Conservator, at The National Archives

David Thickett Senior conservation scientist at, English Heritage Home - GoGreen

Lorraine Cornish - LinkedIn Head of Conservation Natural History Museaum

Other Links

Science and Engineering Research for Cultural Heritage (SERCH)

Imperial Futures | About | Imperial College London

Icon - The Institute of Conservation

At the Science and Engineering Research for Cultural Heritage Conference 2025, a panel discussed "Balancing Innovation and Craft: Do Practical Skills Still Matter in the age of AI?" Panel members include;

• Professor Ambrose Taylor (Chair), Professor of Materials Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London

• Professor Pier Luigi Dragotti, Professor of Signal Processing in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London

• Lorraine Cornish, Head of Conservation at Natural History Museum

• Kat Harris, Senior Teaching Technician in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London

Hosted by the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering (IMSE) This is the first episode in our SERCH series, produced by Imperial Futures.

The time has come to make new year resolutions! How about starting a collaboration with a researcher in a different field? Or expanding research beyond the lab into industry applications and policy recommendations?

If these ideas have crossed your mind, then your new resolution could be to take a transdisciplinary approach.

At IMSE's annual research showcase, we spoke to academics, journal editors and industry stakeholders to understand what transdisciplinary means and how they are using this approach to solve grand challenges. Have a listen at the diverse projects!