Andries J. van Dam, started his career as collection manager / conservator at the Anatomy Museum of the Leiden University Medical Centre.
His research interest has primarily been focused on fluid preservation. He has published several papers in journals such as Collection Forum and Cell Preservation Technology. During this period he also represented national and international professional societies such as ICOM-CC.
His pragmatic approach to classic problems encountered in fluid preservation has lead to several discoveries and innovative ideas such as an alternative for formalin, a decision-making model for the conservation and restoration of fluid preserved specimens, the Alcomon Indicator System, the Universal Stopper Jar Opener, and Fix for Life, a safe embalming method preserving life-like morphology.
