In 1978, a team of scientists known as STURP (short for the Shroud of TUrin Research Project) was granted an historic opportunity. They were permitted to do the first ever in-depth, multi-disciplinary scientific examination of the Shroud of Turin, using the most up-to-date technology and non-invasive methods.

The STURP team developed specialized scientific instruments and techniques specifically for this project. Then, over five days and nights—120 continuous hours—they carried out a rigorous series of examinations.

The team used advanced photography and lighting techniques to reveal features of the Shroud not evident to the naked eye, including micrographs at 64 times magnification, X-Rays and photographs under UV, and fluorescent lighting. The team also performed sticky tape sampling, spectrometry, and microchemical analysis, all with a single goal: to determine how the image of the man on the Shroud was formed.

Once their work in Turin was complete, the team spent the next three years analyzing their data. In 1981, they published their findings in 20 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, setting the foundation for all future research on the Shroud.

What did they conclude?

All the scientists agreed on the following statement:

“We can conclude for now that the Shroud image is that of a real human form of a scourged, crucified man. It is not the product of an artist. The blood stains are composed of hemoglobin and also give a positive test for serum albumin. The image is an ongoing mystery and until further chemical studies are made, perhaps by this group of scientists, or perhaps by some scientists in the future, the problem remains unsolved.”