István Bóna

István Bóna is an Associate Professor and currently serves as the acting head of the Department of Restoration at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. With a career spanning over four decades in the field of art restoration, particularly focusing on wall paintings and frescoes, Bóna has established himself as a leading expert in mural conservation. His academic journey began at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, where he earned his Painter-Restorator degree with Honors Diploma (1975-1980) and later completed his DLA degree in 2008 with a dissertation titled "New methods for the restoration of wall paintings from archaeological excavations." Throughout his career, he has maintained a dual role as both an academic and a practicing restorer, contributing significantly to numerous high-profile restoration projects across Hungary and internationally.

Dr. Bóna's educational background is deeply rooted in the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, where he completed his foundational studies as a Painter-Restorator with Honors Diploma (1975-1980). He continued his academic development at the same institution, joining the Doctoral School in 2002, where he ultimately earned his DLA degree in 2008. His habilitation was completed in 2008, conducted in English, demonstrating his international academic engagement. His doctoral dissertation focused on innovative approaches to restoring wall paintings discovered during archaeological excavations, establishing the foundation for his specialized expertise.

Professor Bóna's research interests center on the conservation and restoration of wall paintings, particularly those of archaeological significance. His work spans multiple dimensions of mural conservation, including the development of new techniques for removing and preserving frescoes from excavation sites, the analysis of historical painting techniques from Roman to Baroque periods, and the ethical considerations in facade restoration. He has made significant contributions to understanding Roman fresco techniques, medieval wall paintings, and the conservation challenges associated with salt-contaminated murals. His international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Finland, Italy, and Slovakia, have broadened the scope of his research to include comparative studies of conservation methodologies across different cultural contexts. Bóna's approach integrates scientific analysis with traditional restoration practices, emphasizing the importance of material compatibility and long-term preservation strategies.

Dr. Bóna's publication record reveals consistent scholarly output with a focus on practical conservation methodologies and case studies. His work demonstrates a progression from technical aspects of restoration to broader philosophical questions about conservation ethics and the balance between restoration and renovation. The recurring themes across his publications include wall painting techniques, facade restoration, and the scientific analysis of historical materials. His international perspective is evident in publications like "The Conservation-Restauration Education in Four Former Communist Countries" which examines educational systems across Central Europe.

Dr. Bóna's scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the Gyula Forster Award (2004) and the Munkácsy Award (2003). These honors acknowledge his significant contributions to the field of art restoration and conservation science. His work extends beyond traditional academic recognition, as he has played a key role in establishing professional standards through his involvement with international organizations.

In addition to his research and restoration work, Professor Bóna has been actively involved in mentoring the next generation of conservators. He has supervised doctoral students since 2012 and has guided numerous master's and diploma students, including international students from institutions such as CEU, Fachhochschule Erfurt, AFAD, and Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. His students have completed significant research on topics ranging from encaustic painting techniques to the conservation of Roman mosaics and 4th-century frescoes. Bóna's commitment to education extends to his development of specialized workshops and international training programs, particularly focusing on mural restoration techniques.

Professor Bóna has been instrumental in establishing and leading professional networks that connect restoration experts across Europe. As a founder and representative of ENCoRE (network for European university-level restoration training), he has helped shape conservation education standards across the continent. His work with ECCO (European Association of Restoration Associations) as a delegate and his involvement with ICOMOS education committee (until its abolition in 2015) demonstrate his leadership in the international conservation community. Additionally, his role as vice-chairman of the Hungarian Chamber of Restoration since 2009 highlights his ongoing commitment to professional standards and ethics in the field.