IRUG is an independent not-for-profit corporation of individuals who use infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the study of the world’s cultural heritage. Originating in the United States in 1993, the Group facilitates the development and distribution of reliable reference spectra and spectral standards for the art conservation and historic preservation communities. IRUG also encourages the professional development of it participants through biennial conferences where spectroscopic information is exchanged and papers presented.

The first formal meeting of IRUG was held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in 1994. Subsequently, conferences took place at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (1995); Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Winterthur, Delaware (1998); Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht (2000); and Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles (2002). Over the years, participation in IRUG has grown. Accordingly, in 1998, the Group adopted a committee-based structure with regional chairs. In 1999, IRUG broadened its scope and thus changed its name from the Infrared Users Group to the Infrared and Raman Users Group. In 2001, it incorporated as a not-for-profit in the State of Pennsylvania with a governing Board of Directors.

A major focus of IRUG throughout its history has been the development of its collaborative Database of spectra of artists’ and related materials. Early compilations were distributed in 1993 and 1995. Later, a reliable, customized spectral file format using the standardized protocol, JCAMP-DX was developed. In 1999, a review committee met at the Istituto di Ricerca Sulle Onde Elettromagnetiche (IROE-CNR) in Florence, Italy to evaluate spectra using uniform criteria for quality and accuracy of material identification. The reviewed spectra were then formatted and compiled as the Infrared and Raman Users Group Spectral Database - Edition 2000, which was distributed in 2001.

Today, IRUG has an Internet presence, which you are currently visiting. The web site includes a publicly viewable and searchable version of Edition 2000 - the continuing collaborative collection of high quality reference spectra, an on-line bibliography of spectroscopic and related literature, a discussion forum. The success of IRUG and its Database has been due in large part to the support of a community that represents conservation and historic preservation endeavors on an international scale, beyond the interests of any single institution or organization. Its growth and accomplishments are the product of the collaborative efforts of the larger scientific community in conservation, which it is intended to serve.