The Director of Conservation Imaging is IPCH’s newest role, charged with expanding and strengthening the Institute’s imaging capacity in support of its mission. The immediate priority is to establish a Conservation Imaging Studio within the Shared Conservation lab, enabling the effective, efficient, and consistent use of imaging modalities to characterize materials, assess condition, detect prior alterations, and produce documentation that supports evidence-based conservation decisions and on-going monitoring.
Long-term imaging goals include the development of a strategic roadmap for thoughtful growth—adding advanced tools such as hyperspectral imaging; pairing imaging with rigorous image data analysis; strengthening integration with material analysis; and fostering community-supported imaging practice across Yale’s collections. Current efforts also explore responsible application of emerging methods, including AI, and pursue targeted research that makes conservation imaging more effective, accessible, and impactful.
Equally important is mentorship and education. Through workshops, symposia, publication and digital engagement platforms, the program will create opportunities to train practitioners, share knowledge, and mentor future leaders in conservation imaging, ensuring the continuous transfer of skill and expertise.
