Chongqing - The Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute recently hosted renowned scholars: Professor Celestino Grifa from the University of Sannio (Italy) Department of Science and Technology and Professor Ma Xiao, Vice Dean of the Institute for Cultural Heritage Preservation at Shanghai University, for academic exchange. 

Professor Celestino Grifa delivered a presentation on Stone Objects and Monuments: Gathering Information Beyond Size, Regulation, and Limitation. He shared technological archaeological research findings on three distinct stone artifacts from Cairo's Egyptian Museum, Palermo Stone; the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Alexander Mosaic; and the ancient Hittite city of Hattusa in Turkey, Yazılıkaya Stone. The presentation covered applications of analytical detection techniques such as optical and electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, laser Raman spectroscopy, and multispectral imaging in surface morphology, phase, composition analysis, and archaeological research. 

Professor Ma Xiao centered his discourse on scientific understanding and conservation materials research related to ancient lime-based building materials. He elucidated scientific research methods for traditional materials and modern research and characterization methods for the development of conservation materials. Professor Ma emphasized the importance of recognizing two material categories in cultural heritage science and conservation—original artifacts and protective materials—to understand ancient civilizations and support the selection of conservation materials and methods.

The Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute has long prioritized international academic exchange in cultural heritage conservation. In 2023, the inaugural International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation was held in Dazu, bringing together hundreds of experts and scholars from around the world. The forum focused on Cave Temple Conservation in the Context of Climate Change, seeking to pool global wisdom and contribute to the field's efforts in facing climate challenges. The event aimed to establish a distinctive international platform for cooperation in cave temple conservation, contributing to developing a path for cave temple conservation with Chinese characteristics. 

Looking ahead, the Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute commits to intensifying its efforts in academic exchange. The institute encourages and supports researchers to actively participate in international and domestic academic activities. The goal is to cultivate more experts and academic leaders in cultural heritage conservation. 

Additionally, Dazu plans to create an international platform for knowledge sharing and exchange. By bringing together the wisdom of experts from around the world, the institute aims to propel global cave temple conservation to new heights, ensuring their preservation for the next millennium.