Infrared & Raman Users Group

IRUG is a community that encourages the sharing of high quality comparative reference spectral data.

We develop IR and Raman reference spectra for the study of works of art, architecture, and archaeological materials. Our database is peer-reviewed through a rigorous process facilitated by this website.

Anyone may search the database to view and print spectra. To access digital spectra and related information, you must join IRUG and contribute spectra. Click the button below to begin registration.

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

IRUG 15th International Conference & Workshop

Join us in Tokyo, Japan, 25-29 September 2023

The Infrared and Raman Users Group (IRUG) is excited to announce that the IRUG15 International Conference and Workshop, being organized by the Tokyo University of the Arts and The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, is scheduled for 25-29 September 2023 in Tokyo, Japan (the week after the SWBSS Conference in Nara, Japan).

Papers and posters are invited on all aspects of IR and Raman spectroscopies and their application to the study of cultural heritage, with submissions on attenuated total reflection (ATR) or reflectance mode techniques encouraged.

The in-person conference (Covid developments permitting) also will feature a hands-on workshop with training on portable ATR and reflectance instruments and data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.

The deadline for submission of short abstracts is 30 March 2023. Further conference information and details will be posted soon.

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.

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