Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 
ARCA,Catarina Pinto,CNR-SCITEC,Edgar Tijhuis,Italy,Study abroad
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ARCA,Catarina Pinto,CNR-SCITEC,Edgar Tijhuis,Italy,Study abroad
No comments
Meet Our Alumni: From Photochemistry to Art Crime: Catarina Pinto’s Bridge into Cultural Heritage Investigation
For me, applying to the ARCA programme meant identifying and consolidating a path that I did not even know existed: the field of criminal investigation within cultural heritage. Forensic investigation had always been a personal goal, and therefore all my academic choices reflect this same ambition. However, there was a moment during my PhD when I started to doubt whether I was on the right path. I questioned whether there was really a bridge between chemistry applied to cultural heritage and criminal investigation. Until, after some research, I found ARCA and, consequently, the programme that confirmed that yes, there was indeed a bridge between cultural heritage and criminal investigation — I just had to start crossing it.
Can you describe a moment in the program that had a lasting impact on you?
Due to its intensity, the programme challenges us in many different areas. We question our personal as well as our professional skills. However, day by day, week by week, we realise that we are capable of facing such a challenge. Thus, what impacted me the most was becoming aware, in situ and through the programme, of my own abilities. I remember that later, in different contexts, I often thought: if I managed to complete the ARCA programme, I can handle/do X.
What was your favorite course or topic, and why did it stand out?
I cannot choose just one topic. Given my completely different background from what was expected and from most of my colleagues — chemistry — I would like to highlight three topics: “Tracking Stolen Art: Progress, Prospects and Limitations of Databases for Stolen Art”, “Provenance Research: Theory and Practice”, and “Museum Safety and Security and Site Architecture”.
These three topics made my eyes shine with enthusiasm and created a strong desire to learn more. Regarding the first topic, I remember thinking throughout the week: “But… this is just the tip of the iceberg! There is a whole world that we do not see”, and I was fascinated by the enthusiasm with which the knowledge was transmitted to us.
The second one, provenance research, for those who love solving puzzles, is like entering a higher level, combined with the lecturer’s expertise, which was conveyed in a captivating and highly engaging way.
Finally, the behind the scenes of museums… I remember the lecturer saying: “After this, you will never look at a museum in the same way again.” And it is true! The hands-on approach is the highlight, combined with the critical assessment we are encouraged to make; for me, this is one of the strongest points of the course.
And regardless of the topic, the enthusiasm that all lecturers transmit is unforgettable. They all teach for a greater good.
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Personally, it was quite challenging. Learning and consolidating concepts outside our area of expertise is already demanding itself. Doing so in a foreign language increases the difficulty even more. However, this need for adaptation is excellent for personal and professional growth. At the beginning, it was very challenging and at some moments even discouraging, but over time we open ourselves to the experience, becoming richer and more mentally flexible.
Did the program change or shape your career path?
Definitely! After the program, I remained ambitious about combining chemistry with the field of Art Crime and Safeguarding. Therefore, I always actively seek opportunities that bring me closer to this goal. At the moment, I am a researcher in the cultural heritage group SCITEC, where, through laboratory studies, we try to respond to museum needs in practical cases related to conservation and prevention.
My perspective, however, goes beyond chemistry. I observe the context of the object, its provenance, and I question more directly aspects such as lighting — where, how, and its specific location in the museum (when relevant). This perspective derives from having participated in the programme. I also continue to stay in touch with projects, workshops, and conferences in order to nurture my enthusiasm and keep myself updated on scientific developments applied to the security and preservation of cultural heritage objects.
What was it like to live and study in Amelia, Italy?
Personally, it was very easy. I loved being in a small place where you can be part of the city and feel at home even though you are foreigner. Amerini welcome you with an open heart.
Depending on your own background and personality, you may experience some difficulties due to it being a small city. However, that the same fact is what makes it so special in everyday life.
If you need help, you will get help. You will be in the heart of Amerini. And this is the most amazing thing about living in Amelia.
Can you share a memorable interaction you had with faculty, guest speakers, or fellow students?
Everyone, from day one, is welcomed as you part of a family. Each year, coming back to the Conference, feels like you never left. It is as if the time had not passed, as if you had not been away for so long. This is my most memorable interaction: feeling welcomed into a family, that you never really left and, experiencing how open the guest speakers are towards the students from the very beginning.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the 2026 session?
Be open. Enjoy every little moment – the goods ones, the bads ones and even the boring ones. In the end, you will want to relive it all again, without exceptions. This, is the magic of ARCA’s program.
How has your understanding of art crime evolved since completing the program?
When I enrolled in the program, even my imagination could not predict what I would discover. All the concepts, all the sub-fields. Personally, I have evolved a lot. I started from a point where even the concept of “restitution” was not part of my vocabulary. Now, every piece of news regarding repatriation, safeguarding agreements and so on feels natural.
In one sentence: why should someone join ARCA's program?
It will open your mind to the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage and make you part of a family that works for a greater good.
About dr Catarina M. Pinto
Catarina M. Pinto is a researcher at the Italian National Research Council's Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (CNR-SCITEC, Perugia). She holds a PhD in Photochemistry, focused on the study of photodegradation mechanisms of historical and natural colourants. She also holds Master's degree in Forensic Chemistry applied to cultural heritage and a Postgraduate Certificate in Art Crime and Safeguarding. Her research specializes in the photodegradation studies of organic dyes and pigments, in textiles and paintings, by spectroscopic techniques for the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
* Dr Edgar Tijhuis is Academic Director at ARCA and is responsible for coordinating ARCA’s postgraduate certificate programs. Since 2009, he has also taught criminology modules within ARCA's PG Certification programming.
📌 ARCA Postgraduate Certificate Programmes (Italy | Summer 2026)
• Post Lauream I (22 May – 23 June 2026): PG Cert in Art & Antiquities Crime
• Post Lauream II (26 June – 26 July 2026): PG Cert in Provenance, Acquisition & Interpretation of Cultural Property
➡️ Take one track—or combine both in a single summer.
