The conservation scientist has the task of planning and carrying out scientific research into conservation and restoration of objects of art and science. This includes studying the phenomena of degradation and deterioration of the object's original materials and the conservation materials, the study of the applicability and compatibility of conservation materials and dissemination of findings. A number of properties are demanded of conservation materials: 1) reversibility of the application (the feasibility of complete removal, in itself a questionable requirement); and 2) compatibility and durability. These properties have to be tested in view of the use of the materials on art objects. These tests include accelerated aging and study of the influence of materials and treatments on art objects. Examples of research projects in the field of textile and paper conservation are given: 1) supporting of fragile textiles by various methods; 2) improvement of the strength of the large panorama painting, <i>Panorama Mesdag</i> in the Hague 3) a loose support for a fragile canvas painting; and 4) mass deacidification of paper.