Stone Days 2026 at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences: symposium on stone conservation

The event is aimed at experts, researchers, students and teachers from the field of stone conservation. It combines various formats such as specialist lectures, excursions and practical contributions from project work and research. Both completed as well as ongoing and planned projects related to stone conservation are presented. The aim is to combine scientific, practical and methodological perspectives and to strengthen networking between educational institutions and specialist practice.

The Stone Days 2026 are organised by the VDR Stone Conservation specialist group in cooperation with the VDR and held at the FHP. The symposium builds on many years of activities in which theoretical and practical approaches in training are linked with current professional issues.

The Potsdam University of Applied Sciences offers specialised training opportunities in stone conservation in its Conservation and Restoration degree programme. This programme trains conservators who take responsibility for the preservation of cultural and architectural heritage that extends far beyond regional borders. The fact that this type of training is only possible at a few universities in Germany today emphasises the importance and at the same time the fragility of these structures. Securing these specialised courses of study is of nationwide relevance and part of the tasks of the FH Potsdam.
The university's own workshops and laboratories offer students the opportunity to put theoretical content directly into practice. These learning environments are an integral part of the programme: they enable students to make well-founded technical decisions, test experimental approaches and check the quality of their work under realistic conditions. In this way, the combination of theory and practice can be experienced in practice and ensures the excellence of training in the field of stone.

Prof. Dr Eva Schmitt-Rodermund, President of the UAS Potsdam, explained: "The Stone Days 2026 create a relevant discussion forum for professional encounters within the field of stone conservation. The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam supports this exchange in the context of its application-oriented education and research because it contributes to the further development of the field."
The symposium is important because it enables direct exchange between professionally experienced conservators, students and lecturers, makes current developments and methods of stone conservation visible and strengthens the transfer of knowledge between research and practice. It supports networking within the specialist community, promotes the further development of professional standards and helps to supplement the training of future specialists in a practical way.

Where: Workshop & Conference
Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, Kiepenheuerallee 5, 14469 Potsdam

When: 12-14.02.2026

You can find the programme here as a PDF.