Understanding the history of materials is crucial for attributing artworks to specific makers. Conservators, as historians of materials, collaborate with scientists to establish verifiable markers for attribution, complementing traditional art historical methods. This collaborative approach, exemplified in the Netherlands, has led to innovative insights and standards, such as Operation Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum. Dr. Robert van Langh, Head of Conservation and Research at the Rijksmuseum, will share examples and visions for the future of the field.