About CNRS

The French contribution to UNCHANGE is coordinated through the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France’s national research organisation. CNRS researchers involved in the project are affiliated with several partner laboratories and institutions in Bordeaux and Paris, bringing together expertise in cultural heritage science, conservation, photonics, imaging, and advanced analytical methods.

In Bordeaux, the project involves researchers from Archéosciences Bordeaux and Université Bordeaux Montaigne, while in Paris it brings together expertise from the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF), Université Paris-Saclay, the Laboratoire Photonique Numérique et Nanosciences (LP2N), and the Institut d’Optique.

UNCHANGE will recruit two doctoral candidates with CNRS: one based in Bordeaux and one in Paris. Each doctoral candidate will conduct their research within the respective CNRS-associated laboratories and will be enrolled at the corresponding university, which will award the doctoral degree.

Archéosciences Bordeaux combines expertise in the physico-chemical characterisation, dating, and 3D digitisation of cultural heritage materials. A wide range of imaging and spectrometry techniques are applied to the study of archaeological artefacts. Available imaging facilities include optical microscopy (polarized light and cathodoluminescence), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hyperspectral imaging (400-2500 nm). Spectroscopic and analytical techniques include ED-XRF, FTIR, micro-Raman, SEM-EDXS, XRD, and HSI. Portable instruments such as pXRF, pRaman, pLIBS, FORS, and colorimetry systems are also available.

The laboratory also hosts a luminescence dating platform (TL and OSL) equipped with gamma spectrometers, although this facility will not be used within the PhD project. Access can additionally be provided to advanced equipment including X-ray microtomography, THz imaging, PIXE, and NMR.

The Archeovision platform, part of Archéosciences Bordeaux, offers a dedicated 3D digitization centre with laser scanning, photogrammetry, and LiDAR drone capabilities. A Referenced Information System in 3D (RIS3D) will be developed as part of the PhD research.

C2RMF is the center for research and restoration of all French museums, part of the ministry of Culture and part of CNRS. The center is in charge of analysis and restoration of artworks for all analysis and restoration of artworks for all French museums. It has research, restoration, documentation and preventive conservation departments.

At C2RMF, imaging facilities like scientific photography in UV and IR, radiography and X tomography, surface 3D equipment and also chemical (XRF, IRTF, Raman…) and nuclear analysis are available. The restoration department has extensive knowledge about restoring painting, objects, archaeology and art history. Dating analytical chain in luminescence (TL and OSL); gamma spectrometers. Through local partners, they have access to equipment as FTIR, XR micro-tomography, THz, PIXE, NMR.

🔗 Website
CNRS: https://www.cnrs.fr/en
C2RMF: https://c2rmf.fr/perform-world-class-research
Archéosciences Bordeaux: https://www.archeosciences-bordeaux.fr/