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LINXS Heritage Science Conference: Ethics of Heritage Science at Large-Scale Neutron and Synchrotron Facilities


What are the ethical implications of heritage science work with synchrotrons and neutrons? What new ethical questions need to be addressed as these new methods are increasingly applied to cultural and natural heritage research? Come debate these questions with an interdisciplinary group of international specialists!

When: 20-21 May, 2026

Where: LINXS, The Loop, Rydbergs torg 4, 224 84 Lund

Organisers: LINXS Heritage Science Theme, all working groups

Target Group: Heritage Scientists, Anthropologists, Archaeologists, Museum Specialists, Beamline Scientists

ABOUT

The increasing access of heritage researchers to large-scale facilities coupled with the highly significant nature of the artefacts sent for analysis makes it especially important to consider the ethics involved in investigating items using neutron and synchrotron techniques. Often these approaches are described as “non-destructive” when discussing analysis with museums and other stakeholders. But what does this really mean? Do synchrotron- and neutron-based techniques alter the physical nature of artefacts? Are there other types of culturally sensitive impacts we should consider (e.g. when working with indigenous communities or part of collections acquired during colonial times)? Are such alterations significant (and if so, to whom)? And what considerations need to be taken for the transport, handling, and return of culturally significant heritage items?

As large-scale facilities are increasingly incorporated into the workflow of heritage research projects, it is important that we take a step back in order to consider the ethical implications of our scientific practice. This workshop will include a range of heritage science specialists from both large-scale facilities as well as museums in order to consider the ethics of heritage science using synchrotrons and neutrons.

The event is co-sponsored by the Italian Embassy of Sweden.


Speakers

Coming soon!

Organisers

Mikael Fauvelle (main organiser)
Susan Nehzati
Courtney Nimura
Anna Fedrigo
Lucia Mancini
Björn Nilsson

  • Coming soon!

Contact

For practical questions, please contact mia.lindstroml@linxs.lu.se

The event is free of charge, but please note that we have a no-show fee of 200 SEK to offset the cost of ordered food.

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