The research project, "A future for Vasa" is a follow-up to the prior internationally renowned research project called "Preserve Vasa" that was run between 2003 and 2006. The urgency at that time was to initiate research that could help solve the problems associated with the formation of sulphuric acid in both the ship as well as other wooden items belonging to the ship. Through the "Preserve Vasa" project, the answers to many of these issues were provided and knowledge was gained about the chemical processes taking place in the ship's wood. However, this research also gave rise to new questions, which will now hopefully be answered by the research conducted as part of the "A future for Vasa" project. The research group will look more closely at Vasa's wood and, among other things, try to reveal how quickly the wood is deteriorating and understand the amount and types of strain that it can tolerate.

- At some point, Vasa will deteriorate, but we don't know how quickly this process is taking place. Our job is to make sure that it goes as slowly as possible, says Magnus Olofsson, Head of the Vasa Unit.

At present, Vasa's condition is stable and the new climate control system that was installed has proven to be an effective weapon in the struggle against the ship's deterioration, explains Magnus Olofsson.

- Today, there is no emergency regarding Vasa's health. The new climate control system has been very good. In the year 2000, humidity levels were unstable and, as a result, chemicals were transported in and out of the wood. But now the situation is stable. It doesn't look as though we've had any new salt formations during the last two years.

In 1626, when Vasa was built, the ship was a predecessor. Similarly, this new research is also the first of its kind and it is being followed with great interest throughout the world due to its general relevance regarding the conservation of marine archaeological material.
- It is difficult, but incredibly exciting. All the spotlights are pointed at us, says Magnus Olofsson.

FACTS ABOUT A FUTURE FOR VASA The research will be conducted over a three-year period in cooperation with such organizations as: the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences the Swedish Pulp and Paper Research institute the Royal Institute of Technology In Stockholm the National Museum of Denmark The funding has been provided by the following organizations: the Swedish Research Council Formas the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research the Swedish Research Council the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems the charity foundation Preserve Vasa the Swedish National Maritime Museums