"I have a background in physics, but I am actually a representative of a new field of science that is developing. It is called heritage science. This is an entirely new trend. The Museum is contributing to the development of this scientific discipline," he said.
"The challenge is what the entire conservation world faces: how to protect objects that are not only specific in terms of materials but are also stored in places where some of the protection methods developed for museums are not possible. Placing this in this context and searching for protective methods, not only the best ones but also those that can be applied in this particular place, is very important," emphasized Prof. Bratasz.
"I congratulate the opening of this magnificent laboratory. I must also say a few kind words about the whole team. I recently attended a scientific conference organized by the conservation department in Torun. Your colleagues dominated the conference not only in terms of the number of lectures and presentations but also in terms of quality. This stands out not only in terms of equipment but also in terms of the competencies you have built here," he added.
The possibilities of cooperation between conservators and scientists were also discussed by Dr. Aleksandra Papis, head of the Conservation Laboratories: "Due to the need to adapt research methods to the specificity and condition of objects under the protection of the Museum, expanding the laboratory offers a unique opportunity for scientific cooperation. This will enable us to implement the highest standards in protecting historical objects from degradation and biodeterioration."
"Since the involvement of the first professional conservators in the Museum, we have been continuously developing. Specialists from new fields are joining the team, allowing us to gain new experiences and progressively expand the scope of our work aimed at preserving remains of Auschwitz for future generations. Expanding the laboratory for specialized microbiological and genetic research is part of this long-term strategy," said Rafał Pióro, deputy director of the Museum responsible for preserving the authenticity of the Memorial.
The new laboratory meets ISO safety requirements and has a comprehensive security system.
"The chemical laboratory has modern digesters and ventilated rooms for storing chemicals. The molecular biology laboratory has entry and pass-through airlocks to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring the highest quality of research. It is also equipped with chambers with laminar vertical airflow, providing safety for both staff and tested samples," said Dr. Anna Wawrzyk, a specialist in microbiology and epidemiology.
Ensuring safety was also a challenge during the construction of the laboratory itself. "The work was carried out in a historical building during an ongoing pandemic. Additionally, everything took place in spaces where conservators worked continuously," said Bożena Kubera, project manager from the Museum's Investment.
The opening of the new laboratory marked the final stage of the project "Reconstruction and Change of the Use of Existing Premises of Building A-50 for Research Laboratory Purposes." The project was co-financed with a special grant from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.