The European Thematic network Metals in Paper, MIP for short, organizes their final conference. MIP started in 2003 aiming to bring together and to disseminate knowledge in the field of paper conservation, degradation and prevention of objects affected with metal tannin ink corrosion, deacidification etc.

Metals in paper can be present due to the paper making process, impurities of used chemicals, the inks, the environment etc. Deterioration often shows the effects of these metals. Worse environmental storage conditions often accelerate this deterioration.

Archives, libraries and museums are aware of their collection, as it should be accessible for our children children's children, and if possible for a long time after that. Therefore MIP is proud to present the state-of-the-art and their conclusions after three year networking and organizing symposiums related to the subject.

The final MIP conference aims to bring together researchers, end-users, problem-holders, restorers, conservators, private companies and politicians in order to discuss the common work, adequate technological interventions, preventive conservation and active conservation. Also it aims to contribute for results of social character, in the form of advice for legislation, normative methods and standardisation for a healthy public heritage and for a better quality in dissemination of our heritage by improving tourism.

Our cultural heritage is receiving increasing attention by policy makers and the European commission. For example new EU co-funded research programs were started in their 6th framework program and more will follow. Therefore this event will be highly challenged.

It is therefore my pleasure, as coordinator of MIP, to invite you to Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom) to attend our final MIP conference. This conference is also the successor to the 1st Iron Gall Ink Meeting, which was held at Northumbria University in 2000.
Your presence and contribution is needed and most welcome. We are confident that, with your help and of all the conservation and preservation community, as well as of researchers and professionals from other areas, together we will turn MIP2006 into a reference event for a new paradigm in the conservation science.

Dr. John Havermans
Co-ordinator MIP
European Thematic Network