This programme promotes excellence in the UK heritage science sector.
It aims to develop the UKs reputation for heritage science and improve our understanding of heritage collections, buildings, landscapes and data.
We have designed the RICHeS programme to maximise the research, development and innovation potential of UK heritage science by increasing sector effectiveness, efficiency and excellence. It will:
- start the development of an informed, collaborative and innovative UK heritage science community
- ensure that the heritage science sector has the capability and the capacity to meet user demand and deliver world-class scientific excellence
- ensure that heritage science equipment, expertise, resources and research data are findable and accessible to users, available to external stakeholders, and can be used by a range of partners
Heritage science is the use of science and scientific approaches to answer questions about heritage. Heritage science improves our understanding of heritage collections, buildings, landscapes and data for the benefit of the public.
RICHeS expects to award £22 million to a range of projects across all four nations of the UK. Funding will improve heritage science facilities and increase access to heritage science reference collections and data.
The programme will also fund a digital research service to make data and resources easier to find and use.
We will announce these awards in July 2024.
RICHeS will be delivered by a new team at our infrastructure headquarters, based at Daresbury. The team will support increased access to facilities and networking opportunities.