- network objectives
- problems to be solved
- scientific objectives and approach
- expected impacts
- network approach

Network Objectives
The objectives for the thematic network "Transitional Metals in Paper (MIP)" are:
To obtain a vertical integration of expertise, products, technology and policy involved in the preservation/conservation of our European cultural heritage on paper (cellulose and lingo-cellulose materials) related to transitional metals and their role in paper ageing and conservation and preservation.
To combine present local networks in our European Thematic Network.
To exchange present knowledge related to paper conservation technology and to establish needs for innovative paper conservation strategies consists of assessment methods and treatment technologies on a European level. To disseminate information to the end-users (e.g., from Museums, Archives & Libraries) frequently and to act as the interface between science, end-user and supplier.
To define gaps in our knowledge solving the problems on deterioration of paper caused by transitional metals.

Problems to be solved
The deterioration of paper caused by transitional metals can be due to the applied inks - so called Metal tannin inks - or it can be applied due to a conservation action as deacidification. Therefore the thematic network will deal with problem related knowledge exchange as:

1. Suitable conservation actions, as specific commercial method have not been developed yet, however specific research is going on in e.g. EU-project INKCOR. Available knowledge related to active conservation actions have to be broadened in relation to the end-users.

2. Safe environmental storage conditions for transitional metal containing objects. Guidelines therefore have to be established on international level.

3. Non-destructive test methods are a need for indicating if certain objects do contain e.g. iron gall ink. The latest developments therefore have to be followed and discussed.

4. How fast will it go before an object will be lost. In other words, which parameters do play a role in the kinetics behind the metal tannin ink corrosion.

5. Which transitional metals are safe to be used as deacidification ageing. Acidification is one of the largest effects recognised and can be stopped by deacidification. However effects are brought to the materials and their environment. These effects have to be discussed and minimised.

Scientific objectives and approach
The scientific aim for the thematic network MIP is to exchange present knowledge related to the effects and on how to reduce the effects of transitional metals in paper and how to fit in these results to innovative conservation strategies consists of assessment methods and treatment technologies. Thus how are fundamental research, applied fundamental research and application related to each other.
This thematic network is divided into 5 work packages related to the state-of-the-art in the allied areas and disciplines. Themes related to fundamental research, applied fundamental research and application shall be discussed and subsequently needs, gaps, and how to solve the gaps will be discussed and disseminated.

Expected impacts
Expected impacts are
· knowledge exchange in new conservation strategies & technologies between researchers, suppliers and end-users. Updated state-of-the-art in technology and needs related to the effects of transitional metals in paper (e.g. via workshops, co-operation between participants),

· themes in research and conservation needs (as treatment technologies). Improved communication between science, supplier and end-user. Integration of current (local) networks. Frequently common publications and combined research strategies. Enhancing the contribution and role of suppliers

· applied research and developments at supplier to have safe storage and conservation treatments for objects with transitional metals transitional metals in paper.

Network Approach
The work for this thematic network is divided into 5 work packages (WP). The initial work package (WP-1) will be the basis for the success of the network. Here, by means of each representative per participating member, the most recent state-of-the-art will be established as well as the proposed areas/disciplines. Based on the information from the partners a project website and brochure is be established.

The areas/disciplines shall take care for following e.g. the needs for futures developments by discussing present developments. The actual themes will be established for further developments and dissemination (this is for example organised in WP-2). Also co-operations can be set up in comparable fields of work. In WP-3 short term scientific missions are included, however initially they shall not funded by the European Commission. Thus for example participants may bring in new bilateral co-operations and dedicate them to the Network. The importance of this exchange of researchers and results of research is just that a broaden discussion can take place related to the work carried out. The fourth work package (WP-4) is actually the hearth of our network and deals with the developments of the established themes related to the aims of this thematic network. Strategies shall be discussed and developed further related to the needs in order to conserve/preserve our heritage. Needs, gaps, and how to solve the gaps will be discussed and disseminated. WP-5 finally deals with the project management, the ears, eyes and mouth of our network.

The heart of the project shall consist of different items - the themes. All these themes are close related to each other for finding the solution on the conservation of objects affected with any kind of metal corrosion in the paper. Participants can join as many of these thematic groups as they want - of course depending of their expertise.
Based on conclusions from the Kick-off meeting (May 30, 2002 - June 1, 2003) TWO main themes are established.
Theme-1 relates with Fundamental Studies in Transitional Metals and Deterioration.
Within this theme group (TG-1), discussions and knowledge exchange will take place to understand what is happening. Thus it includes degradation mechanisms, accelerated ageing as judgement of conservation treatments, analytical support for diagnostics, and synergistic (environmental) effects.

Theme-2 relates with Applied research and Applications.
Within Theme-2, we discriminate:

Theme-2A: Chemical Active Conservation. Items as conventional methods, inhibitors and deacidification will be discussed here (TG-2);

Theme-2B: Physical Active Conservation. Here in TG-3 items as paper splitting, strengthening, leaf casting and cleaning will be included; and

Theme-2C deals with Preventive Conservation. Environmental storage conditions, boxing, etc. are the principal items belonging to this theme group (TG-4).