University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Department Conservation-Restoration

Established in 1997, the HES-SO is a public-law institution under the responsibility of the cantons of western Switzerland (Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud and the French-speaking part of the canton of Bern).

The conservation-restoration programme has been created in 1997 and was originally located in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Canton of Neuchâtel) before moving to Neuchâtel in 2011.

Since 2003, the Haute Ecole Arc Conservation-restoration (HE-Arc CR) is one of the four departments of the Haute Ecole Arc (HE-Arc) along with the Engineering, Management and Health departments. The Haute Ecole Arc regroups the UAS level training programmes of the cantons of Neuchâtel, Jura and the French speaking part of the canton of Bern. The Jura region is well known for both its watchmakers and microtechniques industries, or its archaeological heritage and ethnographic museums offering opportunities to develop knowledge and know-how in these conservation fields.

The research team of the HE-Arc CR collaborates with the other departments and research institutes of the HE-Arc and other universities or heritage institutions in Switzerland and Europe.