Dr Pedro Maximo Rocha
- Roles
- Author
- Researcher
Senior Conservation Scientist - Preservation and Documentation
About
Pedro is Senior Heritage Scientist at The National Archives. His work focuses on material analysis, preventive conservation research, and the use of scientific and digital technologies to understand and support the preservation of archival collections.
He develops and applies data-driven approaches to environmental monitoring, using sensor technologies and automated data tools to investigate conditions within collection storage and understand their implications for the long-term preservation of archival materials. His work also includes the scientific investigation and material analysis of historic records and objects, using heritage science approaches to better understand their composition, history, condition and response to environmental factors. His work brings together conservation science, material analysis, building performance, environmental data and emerging technologies to support evidence-based approaches to collection care.
Research activity
Pedro’s research focuses on environmental monitoring, preventive conservation and the application of new technologies to better understand the environments in which collections are stored and used. He is particularly interested in how large-scale environmental datasets can provide new insights into the relationship between environmental conditions, building operation and the preservation of archival collections.
His current work explores the use of networked environmental sensors and data analysis to understand temperature, relative humidity and other environmental parameters across archival repositories. By combining continuous monitoring with analysis of spatial and temporal patterns, he investigates how changes in building operation and environmental control affect collection environments. This work aims to support more sustainable and evidence-based approaches to environmental management while maintaining appropriate conditions for the long-term preservation of collections.
He is also interested in the application of digital and 3D technologies to cultural heritage. His research and practice explore how three-dimensional documentation, modelling and virtual environments can provide new ways of recording, interpreting and accessing intangible and tangible heritage collections. This includes work exploring the creation of virtual representations of historic design records, and how 3D technologies can support research, documentation and public engagement with heritage that may be inaccessible, or no longer physically available.