Assessing climate-induced weathering of ceramics tiles towards resilient preservation strategies of European Cultural Heritage

NOVA Universidade Nova de Lisboa Portugal

PhD enrolment : NOVA

Supervisor: Joao Veiga

Co-supervisor: M. Larsson Coutinho

Start date September 2026

Duration (in months) 36

Objectives: Deepening our understanding of how ceramics respond to climate-induced weathering in CH preservation and other fields where ceramics are used: i) Climate change adaptation: how materials degrade under changing environmental conditions: development of climate-resilient materials and structures in broader contexts; ii) Development of innovative, sustainable and effective preservation techniques and strategies tailored to ceramic tiles: applications in heritage conservation and historic architecture; iii) Regional variation understanding, by examining regional variations in weathering patterns across Europe, identifying specific challenges faced by different European regions, leading to context-specific preservation approaches, potentially applicable to other regions with similar climate conditions.

Expected Results: i) Advances in sustainable AH conservation by climate-resilient preservation strategies, reducing maintenance and repairs; ii) Contribution to the development of advanced materials designed to withstand climate-induced weathering; iii) Contribution to digital preservation by integration of digital technologies in AH, iv) Climate-resilient preservation strategies to protect ceramic tiles with historical significance for societies across Europe; v) Engaging society on the importance of heritage preservation and climate change mitigation.

Planned secondment(s): CY, B. Menendez, M18, 4 months, ageing tests and characterization of materials, CNR-ISAC, A. Bonazza, 4 weeks, Risk assessment