IRUG 15th International Conference and Workshop

Join us in Tokyo, Japan, 26-29 September 2023

The Infrared and Raman Users Group (IRUG) is excited to announce that the IRUG15 International Conference and Workshop, organized by the Tokyo University of the Arts and The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, is scheduled for 26-29 September 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.

The in-person conference (Covid developments permitting) also will feature a workshop covering reflectance infrared techniques, focusing on data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. The workshop will be led by Dr. Marcello Picollo (Senior Researcher at IFAC-CNR). (Technical restrictions will mean the workshop is limited to 15 attendees.)

A keynote talk covering aspects of the theory and challenges of reflectance mode infrared spectroscopy will be given by Dr. James A. de Haseth, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Georgia and co-author of the classic reference Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry.

The deadline for submission of abstracts has been extended to 15 April 2023.

Papers and posters are invited on all aspects of IR and Raman spectroscopies and their application to the study of cultural heritage. Submissions on reflectance mode or ATR techniques, and work on Asian cultural heritage, are particularly encouraged. Abstracts (in English, preferably in Word, up to 1000 words or so + figures where applicable) should be sent to us at IRUG15@ml.geidai.ac.jp.

Links to conference information and forms are posted below. Information will be updated and augmented periodically.

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Further Information on the Conference and Submissions
Conference Registration Form
Workshop Attendance Application and Registration Form
Some suggestions for hotels

Last Conference:

IRUG14 International Conference in Honor of P. Andrew Lins (1945-2019)

Hosted by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE)

2-4 June 2021, Amersfoort, NL

The virtual conference connected scientists, conservators, students, & educators to share their IR & Raman spectroscopic research as applied to the world’s cultural heritage. Dr. John Delaney, the keynote speaker from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, discussed standoff mid-IR emissive imaging spectroscopy for mapping artists’ materials in paintings. To view the full program, click here: Program. Registrants can watch the recorded presentations via the link previously provided.

IRUG14 was held in honor of P. Andrew Lins (1945-2019), former chair of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Conservation Department, and highly accomplished conservator, scientist and renowned expert on metals and corrosion. Andrew played a pivotal role in founding and supporting IRUG in the early 1990s, enabling IRUG to expand its presence on an international level.

IRUG extends its gratitude to the IRUG14 conference hosts: Susan Lammers, RCE Director; Suzan de Groot, RCE Senior Scientist & Conference Organizer; Letty Spieker, RCE Communications; Inez van der Werf, RCE Senior Researcher & Conference Moderator; and Thea van Oosten, RCE Senior Scientist, Retired & Conference Moderator.

IRUG Statement on the War in Ukraine

The Board of Directors of IRUG, an international scientific and cultural heritage community, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We believe that science and cultural heritage flourish in a world where diverse cultures co-exist peacefully. We, therefore, condemn the Russian military invasion of Ukraine with its subsequent loss of precious life and destruction of cultural heritage. During and after this conflict, the IRUG Board will seek to support our members who have been impacted.