For over three decades, the Infrared and Raman Users Group (IRUG) has been at the forefront of advancing spectroscopic analysis in cultural heritage conservation. Every few years, this vibrant international community gathers to share groundbreaking research, innovative techniques, and the latest developments in infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the analysis and conservation of cultural materials. In October 2026, IRUG 16 will bring together an international cohort of conservation scientists, conservators, researchers, and industry specialists working across diverse collections. This conference will showcase cutting-edge research and methodologies that are essential for advancing our understanding and preservation of cultural heritage materials.
For inquiries about IRUG 16, please contact the organizing committee at irug16@winterthur.org
For general IRUG information, visit www.irug.org
Abstract Submission
Please submit your abstracts online using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/ySYgFDeBDP
The deadline for abstract submission is January 31.
Registration will open in April 2026.
Program Schedule
October 7-9, 2026
The program will include oral and poster presentations; networking events; time for museum, garden, and gallery visits; and an optional tour of the Winterthur conservation department.
There will be an optional conference workshop on Tuesday, October 6.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Roger Turner | Spectroscopy as Cultural Heritage
The history of spectroscopy is much more than a timeline of landmark papers and advances in instrumentation. Scientific instruments can also be markers that people use to organize themselves and define systems of meaning. What does spectroscopy look like when we view it as a set of cultural practices and social groups? While celebrated figures like Bunsen and Kirchhoff still matter, a social and cultural perspective reveals significant contributions by less famous, and sometimes minoritized, individuals. Women played crucial roles by coordinating groups to create shared community resources, like Clara Smith Craver’s work in building spectra libraries. Communities of spectroscopists were created through short courses like the Fisk University Infrared Spectroscopy Institute founded by James Raymond Lawson and Nelson Fuson. The Science History Institute’s collections offer a window on spectroscopy’s surprising and playful cultural heritage, from a 1954 photo of brawling spectrophotometer salesmen to an aftermarket label warning users about an NMR spectrometer’s “Emotional Crisis Detector.”
Biography
Dr. Roger Turner is the curator of instruments and artifacts at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia. He enjoys translating the history of science for different audiences, from chemists at Pittcon to museum visitors and students of all ages. He has recently written museum displays that situate spectrophotometry as part of the Institute’s temporary exhibits Downstream and Lunchtime. He holds a Ph.D. in the History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
Accommodations
If you will not have a car, we suggest staying in Wilmington or the Wilmington Riverfront for access to restaurants and public transportation. The conference will provide one shuttle trip to Winterthur each morning and one return trip to Wilmington each evening for all attendees.
There are plenty of options for short-term housing rentals in Wilmington and the nearby area, but below are hotel options for Wilmington and the Wilmington Riverfront.
Hotels
Wilmington
- Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
422 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, DE 19801 - Courtyard Wilmington / Downtown by Marriott
1102 West St., Wilmington, DE 19801 - DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown
700 N. King St., Wilmington, DE 19801 - Residence Inn Wilmington Downtown
1300 North Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801
Riverfront
- Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront
760 S. Justison St., Wilmington, DE 19801 - Westin Wilmington
818 Shipyard Dr., Wilmington, DE 19801
Getting Around
Traveling to Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport and is served by rail connections to major cities along the East Coast.
Getting to Winterthur
Complimentary shuttle buses will run daily between Wilmington/Wilmington Riverfront and Winterthur for all registered attendees. There will be one morning shuttle trip to deliver attendees to the conference and one evening shuttle to return attendees to Wilmington/Wilmington Riverfront.
If you prefer to drive, ample free parking is available at Winterthur. Directions can be found online.
Please note that Winterthur is not accessible by public transportation. However, rideshare services and taxis (e.g., Delaware Express) provide easy and reliable transportation to the site.
This symposium is made possible with the support of the following partners:
