Oxford University has announced an £80 million investment aimed at enhancing research and innovation in heritage science. The funding, provided by the UKRI Arts & Humanities Research Council, will support the establishment of a nationwide Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme.
Overview of the RICHeS Initiative
The RICHeS initiative is intended to leverage advanced technology and scientific methodologies to enhance access to heritage collections, bolster the UK’s heritage economy, and foster innovation in material science. A multidisciplinary team at Oxford has received nearly £1 million to lead the Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement (OCHRE) project, which seeks to create a sustainable heritage science hub and connect a network of laboratories with modernized equipment.
Leadership and Impact
Professor Heather Viles from the School of Geography and the Environment will lead the OCHRE project team. She emphasized that the funding will significantly augment the university’s capacity for advanced research in conservation, built heritage, archaeology, and collections.
Improvements in Analytical Techniques
The project is set to implement improvements across a range of analytical techniques, including the acquisition of a new Scanning Electron Microscope, enhancements to digital and hyperspectral imaging systems, and the introduction of portable analysis tools. These upgrades will enable researchers to perform in-depth analyses of heritage artifacts and significantly contribute to the conservation field.
Strengthening Collaborations
The investment is expected to strengthen Oxford’s collaborations within the heritage and conservation sectors, bolstering existing partnerships with institutions such as Blenheim Palace and the National Trust, which focus on the restoration and study of significant cultural sites.
Significance of Funding
Professor Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the AHRC, indicated that this funding recognizes the UK’s rich cultural heritage and aims to bolster the country’s position in heritage conservation science. The OCHRE project is one of 31 initiatives supported in the initial phase of the AHRC’s RICHeS programme. Additional details regarding other funded projects are available on the AHRC website.
(Source: University of Oxford News)