Dr Charis Theodorakopoulos

Prior to joining Northumbria in 2013, Charis taught conservation of works of art and conservation science as Associate Scientist, at the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Greece (2007-2013). Prior to that he was a Research Assistant and Research Fellow at the University of London, Birkbeck College, Department of Biochemical Sciences (2004-2008) where he contributed to several EU projects (4^th, 5^th and 6^th FPs). During his doctoral research (Hellenic State Fund 2001-2004) he contributed to the optimisation and the evaluation of laser cleaning of paintings using UV pulsed (excimer) lasers at the Royal College of Art, in collaboration with IESL-FoRTH in Greece (EU TMR DGXII and TMR 5^th CSF funds 2002-2003) and FOM-Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) in Amsterdam (funded by FOM program 49 and NWO). He has employed laser-induced analysis, mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy as well as thermal analysis to study a wide range of artist’s and heritage materials, including the study of paintings and the characterisation of dyes, binding media, paints and coatings. At TEI-A he developed novel cleaning materials for varnished and unvarnished tempera paints, murals and gilded panels with advanced gel formulations. He is collaborating with practicing conservators, conservation scientists, preventive conservation experts as well as scientists at diverse disciplines and sectors. He has contributed to a number of international research projects and he is member of national and international professional conservation bodies.