USTAV TEORETICKE A APLIKOVANE MECHANIKY AVCR

Their core work

The Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (UTAM) applies materials science and structural mechanics expertise to cultural heritage preservation. They specialize in analyzing the physical and chemical properties of historical materials — ceramics, plasters, stone — using advanced laboratory techniques. Within H2020, they contributed to building and integrating Europe's research infrastructure for heritage science and trained early-career researchers in archaeological materials analysis. Their core value lies at the intersection of engineering mechanics and heritage conservation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UTAM's H2020 involvement began in 2017 with infrastructure-building for heritage science (E-RIHS PP), then deepened in 2020 with the operational phase of that same infrastructure (IPERION HS). By 2021, they shifted toward training and applied research on specific archaeological materials — ceramics and plasters from the Eastern Mediterranean — through the PlaCe MSCA network. The trajectory shows a clear move from infrastructure support roles toward more specialized, hands-on materials research and doctoral training.

Moving from infrastructure participation toward specialized research and training in archaeological materials characterization, suggesting growing independence and depth in this niche.

How they like to work

UTAM operates exclusively as a participant in large, multi-partner consortia — their three projects involve 78 unique partners across 24 countries, averaging 26+ partners per project. This is typical of research infrastructure and MSCA networks, which are inherently broad. They are a specialist contributor embedded in wide European networks rather than a project driver, which makes them an accessible and low-risk partner to approach for heritage-related consortia.

Remarkably broad network for a small institute: 78 unique partners across 24 countries, built through participation in pan-European heritage science infrastructure projects. Their connections span most EU member states and likely include major national museums, conservation labs, and research universities.

What sets them apart

UTAM brings a rare combination: rigorous engineering mechanics expertise (their institutional core) applied specifically to cultural heritage materials. Most heritage science partners come from archaeology or conservation backgrounds — UTAM offers the hard-science materials testing and mechanical characterization that complements those disciplines. For consortium builders, they fill the gap between humanities-driven heritage research and quantitative materials analysis.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PlaCe
  Their largest funded project (EUR 234,872) and an MSCA training network, indicating the EU trusted this institute to help shape the next generation of archaeological scientists.
• IPERION HS
  Part of the flagship integrated heritage science infrastructure serving all of Europe — participation signals recognized expertise and access to shared analytical facilities.