In the period from 1999-2003, researchers from the programme group have published 107 original papers, of which 74 were produced within the group, while 33 are a result of scientific cooperation with other research groups. One review paper was published and 3 book chapters were authored by our researchers. One Slovenian patent was awarded and one German was applied for. Two prototypes for laser treatment of materials and one prototype chemiluminometric analytical instrument for material studies was developed. Since most of our research resulted in publications in reknowned international journals, some also in top-level analytical chemistry journals (Anal. Chem, TrAC Trends. anal. chem., Rapid. commun. mass spectrom., J. Chromatogr. A, J. chem. inf. comput. sci., etc.), the results and research may be considered to be a proof of the internationally recognized scientific excellence of the group. The results include a number of new and improved analytical methods, which provide a platform for research in other areas of science, in the industry, environmental chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, etc. The high number of citations and the successful and wide international cooperation are further signs of the importance of the performed research outside Slovenia. Among the important achievements of the research group, studies of degradation and stabilisation of organic materials are of particular importance. An excellent knowledge of degradation mechanisms is needed to be able to propose appropriate stabilisation measures. Having achieved this, we considerably contributed to the preservation of the world and Slovenian cultural heritage. Our international scientific excellence is confirmed by coordination of the 5. FW project Papylum and participation in another two, InkCor and MIP. In this area of research, we developed a range of new methods of material characterisation and introduced chemiluminometry, a technique not used before in paper degradation research. A pioneering work was done, a proof of which are the numerous invited lectures at international conferences.