Brussels, 16/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - In the context of the United Nations 2002 European Cultural Heritage Year, the 5th conference on cultural heritage, organised by the DG Research of the European Commission, was held on 16 May in Krakaw (Poland). Three projects financed by the EU were presented to the press. They highlight the essential role that research can play for safeguarding the cultural heritage of Europe, and tackle themes as varied as the conservation of false baroque marble in churches (ENVIART), protection from damage caused by light (LIDO) on paper and photographs, and the presentation of a first centre of excellency and a pan-European network for questions relating to cultural heritage (ARCCHIP). Researchers involved in these projects come from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, France, Belgium, etc. (For further information: Johanna Leissner, DG Research in Brussels. Tel.: 02 295 49 57. Fax: 02 295 06 56. E-mail: johanna.leissner@cec.eu.int).