What is heritage science?

Heritage science might not be a term you hear every day, but its impact on cultural heritage is profound. We spoke to Caroline Peach of the National Heritage Science Forum and Carla Burrell Senior Engagement Manager, RICHeS to find out more.

So what is Heritage Science? The simplest definition is the scientific study of heritage.  A more expansive definition, by ICCROM, describes heritage science as “the interdisciplinary research domain of the scientific study of cultural and natural heritage. Drawing on diverse humanities, sciences and engineering disciplines, heritage science is an umbrella term encompassing all forms of scientific inquiry into human works and the combined works of nature and humans that are of value to people.” 

The key points are that heritage science involves people from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, and that it is used to help understand, care for, and preserve heritage, as well as help to provide new ways for people to learn about and enjoy heritage. 

Applications range from the big (think impact of climate change) to the very small (think nanomaterials for use in conservation treatments). It includes everything from analysing the chemical composition of ancient (and modern!) paintings to using advanced imaging techniques to detect structural issues in historic buildings.

The field combines expertise from chemistry, physics, materials science, and digital technologies to answer questions about our past and ensure its survival for future generations. For example, heritage science can be used by museums to inform conservation treatments, reduce energy consumption, reveal new information about collections, and support outreach activities. 

How does heritage science benefit museums and their communities?

For museums, heritage science offers a wealth of benefits. Advanced analytical techniques provide insights into the materials and methods used to create artefacts, enabling more effective conservation strategies. These methods also help mitigate challenges like environmental damage, ensuring collections are preserved for the future.

Beyond preservation, heritage science enriches visitor experiences by contributing to interactive exhibits and educational initiatives that bring history to life. Museums can use these insights to create engaging programmes that connect audiences to the past in meaningful ways, fostering deeper appreciation and understanding.

Innovative practices in the independent museum sector

Smaller organisations and independent museums are leading the way in adopting innovative heritage science practices. For example, initiatives like the Royal Society’s Places of science 2022 | Royal Society scheme have empowered small museums to engage communities with local science stories. By blending science and heritage, these projects create accessible, meaningful experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Norton Priory Museum in Runcorn is integrating cutting-edge research with public engagement, allowing visitors to explore history through a scientific lens while celebrating the richness of human culture. Norton Priory’s involvement highlights how independent museums can play a significant role in pioneering innovative approaches to storytelling, education, and community engagement.

RICHeS

The Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme represents a transformative milestone for conservation and heritage science in the UK. With an unprecedented £80 million investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). RICHeS is dedicated to advancing conservation and heritage science through cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaboration and increasing access to facilities, collections and expertise.

RICHeS research infrastructure connects researchers to heritage science facilities, resources and services across the UK. Through RICHeS, you do not have to rely on one central facility. Instead, you can access expertise, collections and facilities from institutions across the four nations.

Find out more about RICHeS and heritage science 

Based in the north or midlands and looking to understand the transformative potential of heritage science?

You can explore potential collaborations and partnerships and gain insights in emerging technologies in heritage science and digital collections from RICHeS (Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science) funded projects.

Join us at the University of Liverpool on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Places limited so book now.

Book your place

SS Great Britain – conservation methods, energy consumption and outreach 

Between 1997 and 2005, a system to slow corrosion of the SS Great Britain, the world’s first iron ship, was developed by sealing the dry dock with a glass roof and keeping the environment at 20% relative humidity. Although effective, this was highly energy intensive and so as part of their Voyage to Carbon Neutral project (aiming for carbon-neutrality by 2030), the Trust upgraded their ship conservation technology to minimise energy usage and reduce carbon footprint. 

Upgraded sensors and software have helped to understand energy use and control it better. More efficient fan technology and a new heat recovery system for the desiccant on the dehumidifiers has led to energy savings. 

Overall, the project reduced energy consumption and associated emissions by around 25% across the whole system, and by more than 40% on key individual components. The total carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by more than 150 tonnes per year. The project led to the Trust being chosen as joint winner of the Museums + Heritage Sustainable Project of the Year in May 2023. It has also engaged visitors and students taking part in the ‘Future Brunels’ outreach programme with its technology advancements. 

SSGB Greener Future

Newport Medieval Ship Project – understanding materials, revealing the ship’s origins, developing how a technique can be used  

In 2002, the wreck of a fifteenth-century ship was found in the mud of Newport’s River Usk. In November 2023, scientific research (oxygen isotope dendrochronology analysis of the ship’s timbers) has helped to establish when the ship was built, revealing that timbers from the hull were made from oak trees that were felled in the winter of 1457-58. 

“It allows us to really focus on that 1457-58 period for historical research but it shows this type of analysis has real potential to refine various parts of the construction sequence of the Newport ship.” Dr Toby Jones, Curator. 

This information could help with the charity’s long-term goal of rebuilding the vessel. Once restored, the ship could become the only 15th-century maritime exhibit in the world. The research has shown the potential for using this dating technique for other vessels and timber structures that previously didn’t date with traditional ring dendrochronology. 

Newport Ship

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) – Community engagement 

Radiographic analysis of Romano-British Upper Nene Valley pottery revealed the variety of techniques used in making Romano-British ceramics. Findings drew into question accepted understandings of the Romano-British economy. In addition, the results were the used for workshops facilitated by master potters and archaeological ceramics experts on Roman pottery-making, giving participants from the local area a feel for what daily working life was like in this period of the distant past.

Participants had their own workshop-made pottery x-rayed like the archaeological finds. The results were presented in a pop-up exhibition at Chester Farm Estate, Wellingborough. 

chesterhouseestate.org/about/news/new-exhibition-revealing-the-skills-of-northamptonshire-potters-past-and-present  

These examples show that organisations of all sizes can benefit from heritage science and in many instances, use it themselves.

But the exciting thing is the forthcoming opportunities that are expected to arise from the development of RICHeS (Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science).  RICHeS is a programme of investment by UK Research and Innovation into the development of a UK-wide infrastructure for conservation and heritage science research.

The first phase of funding supports new scientific research facilities and better access to scientific reference collections. However, the likely game-changer for the independent museum sector will be the development of the Heritage Science Data Service (which will provide a portal for finding equipment and expertise) and the existence of an access fund from 2026 which will enable people to apply for funding to use the research facilities. 

 So, the thinking starts now. 2026 might seem like a long way of off but now is a good time to think about how you would like to use science. What are the problems that science can help you to solve? What would you like to know more about within your collections? What help would you need to understand the possibilities of heritage science research? Partnerships can be a terrific way to develop and carry out a heritage science research project – who would you like to work with? 

Useful Links

National Heritage Science Forum 

Established in 2013, the National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) is a membership organisation and charity which connects UK heritage organisations, academic institutions, and research laboratories. Its mission is to support collaboration in the use of science and technology to better understand and care for our cultural heritage, and to demonstrate the benefits that heritage science can bring to society. 

National Heritage Science Forum 

Icon, the Institute of Conservation 

Icon’s Heritage Science group brings together individuals who are interested in how science benefits the conservation, management, and interpretation of cultural heritage. The group provides heritage science resources and runs events. 

ICON Heritage Science

Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) 

A programme of investment, launched in October 2024, which will provide access to heritage science facilities, including equipment, expertise and data, across the UK. 

RICHeS