[They chose France series #6] Valentina Valbi joins the Chemistry Research Institute of Paris

Could you tell us a little about your background and research topics?

I am a heritage scientist with an interdisciplinary background in analytical chemistry, materials science, and cultural heritage restoration practices. I have been intrigued by the chemical sciences since high school, but at the same time I have always wanted to keep a connection with the humanities. When I found out about the field of chemistry for cultural heritage, I immediately knew I had found my way! 

I started at the University of Bologna in Italy, where I obtained my BSc and MSc degrees. At the end of my BSc, I spent a few months in Portugal as a research intern, while during my MSc I spent a year in France, first as an Erasmus student, then as an intern for my master research project. After these experiences, I stayed in France and went on with a PhD at the Université Paris-Est. There, I worked on bio-alteration of medieval stained-glass windows, which are exposed to rain, condensation phenomena, wet/dry cycles and biodeterioration agents such as fungi and bacteria. I performed bio-alteration experiments on model glass samples in France and then spent some time in Germany at Potsdam University to characterize my samples with cutting-edge microscopy techniques. After that, I moved to the border between France and Switzerland and worked as a post-doc on an Interreg project on understanding corrosion phenomena of metallic archaeological objects (bronze, brass, iron, steel…) found in different environments, to help conservators performing better diagnosis on the objects they study.

Besides investigating materials degradation mechanisms, I am also interested in understanding past societies by working in close collaboration with archaeologists. The investigation of ancient technological processes and materials circulation contributes to the comprehension of past economies, relationships among different people, and the diffusion of technological advances. I hope to keep doing this kind of research in the future and combine these two main areas in my upcoming projects.

Before applying to CNRS, I went back to stained-glass windows and conservation science, working at a research laboratory of the French Ministry of Culture specialized in Historical Monuments, where I had the chance to work on some samples from Notre-Dame de Paris medieval stained-glass windows.

What motivated your application to the CNRS?

I really learned about the CNRS environment during my post-doc experience at the Archaeomaterials Research Institute (IRAMAT)1  working on metals corrosion and archeometallurgy. There, I had the opportunity to observe the everyday life of CNRS researchers, who benefitted from a good balance between research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities. That inspired me to apply to CNRS. However, IRAMAT is a laboratory affiliated with CNRS Social Sciences and Humanities. As my project was more materials-centered, I decided to apply for a chemistry research position at the Chemistry Research Institute of Paris (IRCP)2 .

At IRCP, I joined the Physico-Chimie des Matériaux Témoins de l’Histoire (PCMTH) team, which gathers exceptional scientists in solid state chemistry and heritage scientists from the Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France (C2RMF, French Ministry of Culture). This gives me access to cutting-edge research infrastructures and a privileged connection to the French cultural institutions.

I also want to emphasize how motivating the recruitment process at CNRS is. I was truly stimulated by the possibility to present my application with a complete freedom about the research project, as opposed to having to fit within a pre-established profile. Also, the application procedure is both light and user-friendly, even for non-French citizens. 

• 1CNRS/Université d’Orléans laboratory
• 2CNRS/Chimie ParisTech-PSL laboratory

What differences have you noticed between your previous work environment and the one you are discovering here?

I have worked in France for several years now, so the French system is not really new for me. However, I had the opportunity to do some work in other academic systems. I think that the major difference I observed is the less hierarchical organization of the research, as compared to Germany or Italy for example. I love the informal way we can interact both with students and other researchers or professors. Another strength of CNRS research units is the presence of research engineers specialized in specific analytical techniques.

Do you still have ongoing projects with your home country?

I left Italy after my MSc degree, so I do not have many professional links with my home country. I however kept in touch with people from a small company in Turin, where I worked during my BSc internship. They are doing some research in collaboration with the University of Turin on Egyptian Blue, a pigment composed of a glassy silicate phase and a copper silicate crystalline phase. This material has exceptional photoluminescence properties in the near infrared, which make it a great candidate for modern applications. This is a subject also explored by some colleagues at IRCP, so it felt natural to connect them.

More generally, there is a lively network of heritage scientists in Italy. I hope I can establish new exciting collaborations in the future!

What are your prospects for the coming years?

My main research topic in the next years will be focused on the understanding of the alteration mechanisms and color changes of copper-bearing silicate glasses dating back to ancient Persia and Mesopotamia, in collaboration with the Department of Oriental Antiquities at the Louvre Museum.

However, I also want to align my research with the major current issues of ecological transition and sustainability. Working at a large chemistry laboratory such as IRCP allows me to do that and expand my scientific horizon. For example, I was involved in a project regarding glass alteration… in photovoltaic panels!

In general, I wish to apply to ANR [the French National Research Agency] and ERC [European Research Council] funding in the coming years, in order to get funding for my projects and to establish more collaborations with my home country. 

I also plan on teaching a little bit here at Chimie ParisTech – PSL, our host institution, and transmit my passion for glass and heritage science to future generations of scientists!

Editor: CD

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