Signing the Agreement between the State Hermitage Museum and St. Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

27 April 2009, the State Hermitage Museum and St.  Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics based on the joint interest in scientific researches signed the Cooperation Agreement.

Under the Agreement the Hermitage Museum and the University agreed to perform joint actions along the following lines:

• to conduct scientific researches on relevant questions,
  
• to perform the exchange of information and experience connected to the scientific researches being conducted,
  
• to use instrumental and scientific base of the University to preserve the cultural heritage,
  
• to perform the development and introduction of innovative materials and marking methods for the museum objects,
  
• to perform other joint actions and projects including scientific conferences.

In St. Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics a laboratory base was created, informational and technical resources of which can be used for restoration, research and other works conducted in the State Hermitage Museum.

In particular, contactless scanning of the museum objects and creating digital 3D models which allow restoring the lost fragments are possible with the use of the equipment and informational and technical support of the University laboratories.

An opportunity for creating a joint Engineering and Technical Centre is being discussed. Within the framework of the Centre discussion of a wide range of technical problems is planned. This can become a precedent for collaboration between museums and technical universities. Other Russian and foreign universities may be involved into the joint work as well as a number of Russian and foreign modern optical and IT manufacturing firms.

The Cooperation Agreement was signed by the Director of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky and the Rector of St. Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics Vladimir Vasilev.

Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum

Vladimir Vasilev, the Rector, and Mikhail Piotrovsky, the Director, sign the Agreement

At the Ceremony of the Signing the Agreement between the State Hermitage Museum and St. Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

At the signing ceremony