KEY PROJECT IDENTIFIERS
OPEN-SciART
The main aim of the OPEN-SciART project is the development of a state-of-the-art open-access digital product tailor-made to fit the necessities of the heritage science specialists that work with various spectroscopic data. Starting from the current state of the INFRA-ART Spectral Library, we plan to design, develop and implement several new features and functions, on three major directions: (1) dataset and accessibility, (2) data analytics, and (3) dissemination and education.
Project title:
A Tailored-Made Open-Access Spectral Data Analytics Application for Heritage Science, Education, and Conservation
Principal investigator:
Ioana Maria CORTEA
Host institution:
National Institute for Research and Development in Optoelectronics – INOE 2000
Research grant number:
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-1099
Project duration:
24 months (12/2024 – 12/2026)
Funding agency:
UEFISCDI
Total funding:
100,000 EUR
About the OPEN-SciART project
Previous work and current scientific context
The current grant proposal can be considered a spin-off project that exploits and builds on earlier work and results achieved within the INFRA-ART postdoctoral project (grant no. PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-1099). The main aim of the INFRA-ART project was to foster innovation and knowledge advancement in the field of heritage science, with a specific focus on the scientific examination of painted works of art. Based on the large spectral datasets obtained within the research activities employed during the framework of the INFRA-ART project, a spectral database of FTIR and XRF spectra was developed with more than 500 reference samples of art-related materials. Starting with 2021 the database was made available online as an open-access digital resource tool for research specialists and other heritage-related professionals that work with non- or minimally invasive spectroscopic techniques. After the completion of the project in August 2022, the database was further optimized and new datasets were uploaded on an ongoing basis, including new data types.
Project proposal. Novelty elements in relation to previous work
Despite the various key features and advantages that this digital product offers, the analytic potential of the INFRA-ART Spectral Library is much higher and could be further exploited. The OPEN-SciART poject aims to improve, expand and extend the analytical capabilities of the INFRA-ART Spectral Library in order to obtain a state-of-the-art digital product tailor-made to fit the necessities of the heritage science specialists that work with (portable) non- and minimally-invasive spectroscopic techniques and implicitly with spectral data.
Starting from the current state of the INFRA-ART database, we plan to design, develop and implement several new features and functions, on three major directions.
(1) Dataset and accessibility. We plan to expand the database entries, both in terms of the number of samples and of the spectral data types (extension with new data types such as LIBS, LIF, FORS). Another important update that we want to implement is to include a direct download option for external users, at the moment access to the spectral data files being realized via e-mail and subsequent completion of a File Access Request Form. Also, we plan to improve the web design and functionality.
(2) Data analytics: We plan to design, develop and implement several web-based analytical tools that will allow users to perform spectral analysis – from basic functions such as “peak search” to more advanced features such as the integration of a spectral library search tool.
(3) Dissemination and education: Based on the feedback received and the high interest in the INFRA-ART database coming especially from students and young/early-stage researchers, we plan to develop and integrate within the website several digital educational resources and training materials.
The INFRA-ART Spectral Library
FAIR Open Access Digital Resource for Heritage Science, Conservation and Education
Towards FAIR data management in heritage science research
The INFRA-ART Spectral Library is an open-access spectral database of cultural-heritage-related materials that was designed as a digital support tool for heritage research specialists that work with (portable) non- or minimally invasive spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, or Raman spectroscopy, among others. The database is an ongoing compilation of high-quality curated data that currently incorporates primary ATR-FTIR and XRF spectra and a preliminary dataset of Raman and short-wave infrared (SWIR) reflectance spectra on over 900 different materials typically found in painted works of art. For increased and sustainable accessibility, the database follows the European Commission’s recommendations on access to scientific information, as well as the FAIR guiding principles on research data that result from publicly funded research. The INFRA-ART Spectral Library is registered as a resource within the European Open Science Cloud – EU Node and is among the services offered by the Romanian hub within E-RIHS (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) DIGILAB.
Project objectives
Starting from the current state of the INFRA-ART Spectral Library, we plan to design, develop and implement several new features and functions, on three major directions
Database expansion with new references and new data types
The INFRA-ART spectral database will be expanded, on an ongoing basis, with approx. 600 new reference materials by the end of the project. New data types such as LIBS, LIF or FORS will also be integrated within the database, while the FTIR, XRF, Raman and SWIR reflectance datasets will be expanded with spectra registered on new reference materials. We estimate a dataset of approx. 4000 new spectra by the end of the project.
Design and development of data analytics tools
A range of web-based analytical toolsets will be designed and developed that will allow end-users to perform basic spectral analysis such as: peak search, peak measurement and spectral library search. This open analytical environment will provide extensive support for data analysis and interpretation while promoting data reuse. The implementation of some data mining functionalities will also be explored by the end of the project.
Design and development of FAIR educational resources
Several digital educational resources and training materials such as video and paper tutorials focused on various topics heritage science related (e.g. applied spectroscopy, spectral data analysis and interpretation, material characterization and identification, etc.) will be developed and integrated within the INFRA-ART web page.
Estimated project deliverables
The estimated project deliverables are designed to align with the EOSC policy on open science and the FAIR guiding principles, fostering transparency, accessibility, and reusability of research outputs.
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