Giulia Germinario

Giulia Germinario

Senior Researcher

Lecce
giulia.germinario@cnr.it

Professional profile

Conservation Scientist | Material characterization specialist

My research focuses on the study and characterization of organic residues extracted from materials originating from archaeological contexts, including ceramic vessels, stone containers, and ancient mastics. The main aim is to identify original contents and reconstruct artefact use. Molecular analysis allows the identification of plant- and animal-based food products, aromatic substances, perfumes, spices, and other natural materials used in daily and ritual practices of past societies.

A significant part of my research investigates ancient technological and production processes. The study of chemical transformations of residues enables the identification of thermal treatments, fermentation processes, and other processing techniques, providing insights into the production and consumption of food and beverages such as wine, beer, and other fermented drinks. My interdisciplinary approach integrates archaeological, chemical, and archaeometric data to better understand the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of ancient communities.

My scientific activity also includes the characterization of pictorial materials in ancient and contemporary artworks, focusing on the identification of organic binders and pigments, degradation phenomena, and material interactions. Additionally, I study conservation products, assessing their composition, long-term stability, and compatibility with original materials.

I have extensive experience in advanced analytical techniques, particularly GC-HRMS and µ-FTIR spectroscopy, including imaging mode, applied to the multidisciplinary study of cultural heritage materials.

CNR Disciplinary Fields and Research Management Sectors

  • PE4_5 Analytical chemistry
  • PE4_2 Spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques
  • SH6_1 Archaeological methods and theory, history of archaeology

Groups & Labs CNR ISPC

Heritage Materials Science Lab →
Heritage Conservation Lab →

Publications

CNR IRIS platform →
ORCID →

Highlight

G. Germinario, G. De Luca, T. Messina, S. Scerra, G. E. De Benedetto, C. Miliani (2024) Exploring Pottery Function and Cooking Practices in Bronze Age Sicily: The Results of High-resolution GC-MS of Organic Residues; Environmental Archaeology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2024.2379639

G. Germinario, F. Talarico , M. Torre (2022) Microanalyses and Spectroscopic Techniques for the Identification of Pigments and Pictorial Materials in Monet’s Pink Water LiliesPainting; Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 28, Issue 1, Pages 27–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927621013556

G. Germinario, A. Ciccola, I. Serafini, L. Ruggiero, M. Sbroscia, F. Vincenti, C. Fasolato, R. Curini, M. Ioele, P. Postorino, A. Sodo (2020) Gel substrates and ammonia-EDTA extraction solution: a new non-destructive combined approach for the identification of anthraquinone dyes from wool textiles; Microchemical Journal, Volume 155, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2020.104780

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