Future directions and challenges in biodeterioration research on historic materials and cultural properties

Abstract We, a group of concerned researchers and conservators, are very grateful to the 17th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium (IBBS17) organizing committee and to the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society president Brenda Little for giving us this opportunity to have a Panel Discussion on the “Past, Present and Future” of biodeterioration studies during the IBBS17 on September 6–8, 2017 in Manchester, U.K. A total of twenty-three of us, including a number of young scientists, joined the discussion and a few colleagues gave their inputs by mail in advance. It is our pleasure to summarize all information collected from the one-hour discussion in Manchester and to share them openly for future research planning and for establishment of a common ground to build new initiatives.