Research project P4S/251/PRISM (Research action P4S)
The PRISM project focuses on the systematic inventory, documentation, and digital valorisation of irreplaceable heritage sample collections. These materials are vital resources for research and conservation, providing physical evidence of objects that may otherwise be lost or altered. By promoting ethical research and minimising destructive sampling, these collections serve as a cornerstone for both scientific inquiry and practical preservation. To address fragmented documentation and limited accessibility, the project implements a strategy to manage and digitise these assets according to international FAIR principles, ensuring they are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. This includes a detailed framework applied to major pilot collections of paint and stone-like materials, involving enhanced physical archiving and a new online discovery tool with advanced search and geolocation functionalities. A multi-faceted dissemination plan ensures that project outcomes reach the scientific community, heritage professionals, and policy makers through workshops and digital resources. By establishing sustainable workflows and fostering collaboration, the project supports advanced research and ensures the long-term viability of these unique materials for future generations of practitioners.
