Dr. Zhenzhen Ma | Archaeology | Best Researcher Award

Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology | China

Dr. Zhenzhen Ma is an accomplished Associate Research Fellow at the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, China, specializing in the conservation of fragile cultural relics discovered at archaeological excavation sites. Her research primarily focuses on the preservation and restoration of painted pottery, murals, and ancient wooden artifacts, emphasizing the scientific analysis of residual organic materials and the evaluation of proteinaceous binders used in historical artworks. With a background in Cultural Relics Conservation from Northwest University, her work integrates advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS, microscopy, and spectroscopy to understand material degradation mechanisms and to develop sustainable conservation strategies. Dr. Ma’s contributions extend to the development of innovative conservation tools, including patented systems like the plaster support structure for ancient wall painting reproduction. Her published studies in high-impact SCI-indexed journals such as Microchemical Journal, Journal of Cultural Heritage, Analytical Letters, and Coatings demonstrate her commitment to bridging chemistry, materials science, and heritage preservation. Dr. Ma’s research outcomes not only enhance the understanding of ancient artistic materials but also influence modern conservation methodologies through scientific evidence and cross-disciplinary insights. She has been actively involved in national-level projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, reflecting her leadership in advancing archaeological conservation science. According to Scopus, Dr. Ma has achieved 60 citations from 52 documents, published 7 indexed articles, and holds an h-index of 5. Her citation profile highlights a growing recognition in both the academic and conservation communities, underscoring her impact in heritage science and materials analysis. Her innovative approach and dedication to preserving China’s cultural legacy make her a distinguished figure in her field and a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Ma, Z., Yang, L., & Wang, L. (2022). The influence of natural aging exerting on the stability of some proteinaceous binding media commonly used in painted artworks. Coatings, 12, 1522.

Ma, Z., Wang, L., & Yang, L. (2020). The influence of the soil aging exerting on the stability of proteinaceous binders in Chinese polychromy artworks. Microchemical Journal, 157, 104955.

Ma, Z., Wang, L., & Yan, J. (2019). Chromatographic, microscopic, and spectroscopic characterization of a wooden architectural painting from the Summer Palace, Beijing, China. Analytical Letters, 52(10), 1670–1680.

Ma, Z., Yan, J., & Zhao, X. (2017). Multi-analytical study of the suspected binding medium residues of wall paintings excavated in Tang tomb, China. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 24, 171–174.

Ma, Z. (2024). Influence of archaeological soil burial on GC-MS identification of proteinaceous binders. Sciences of Conservation and Archaeology.