Research themes
In recent years, research on cultural heritage has emerged as a scientific field in its own right, that of «heritage sciences» or Heritage science. The Ministry of Culture presents here the main research themes around these heritage sciences.
Heritage sciences are characterized by a comprehensive approach combining material, intangible, digital and natural heritage, as well as a strong interdisciplinarity mobilising the humanities and social sciences as well as experimental and digital sciences.
Heritage sciences are based on various disciplines in the humanities (history of art, archaeology, anthropology, law, etc.), experimental sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) and information and communication sciences.
The work carried out in this framework ranges from basic to most applied research and is aimed at improve the understanding to develop new ways of ensuring cultural heritage conservation, the transmission and the valorization, while taking a sustainable development. Their results are used by heritage professionals in their missions.
Les thematic The research carried out by the Ministry of Culture in the field of heritage sciences is transversal, since it concerns several, if not all, heritage sectors. They are at the forefront of research and innovation.
This section presents some of the themes and research carried out at the initiative of or in partnership with the Ministry of Culture.
Discover the research themes
Heritage and society
Heritage and environment
Digital heritage
Study of materials
Ethnology of France and Heritage
Conservation and restoration
