Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS)

Organisation: University of York 
Principal investigator: Julian Richards 

Project overview

The Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) is an ambitious initiative developed and managed by the Archaeology Data Service (ADS) in collaboration with the STFC Hartree Centre and key UK heritage institutions.

The HSDS aims to establish core digital research services that will transform heritage science and conservation research within the UK, enhancing the capacity to advance understanding, preservation and management of UK heritage, through curated datasets and improved access to advanced scientific research facilities. 

Project purpose

The primary aim of the HSDS is to provide comprehensive digital research services that empower arts and humanities professionals, heritage experts and scientists. It will achieve this through: 

• establishing a catalogue of research facilities, reference collections and expertise 
• serving as an aggregating platform to make data collections easy to navigate 
• creating a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) repository for research data to encourage accessibility and long-term preservation 

By improving digital access to this data, the HSDS aims to unlock its full research potential and impact across the heritage sector. The HSDS will be a digital skills development incubator with an interoperable distributed structure. It will also enable researchers to utilise a suite of virtual research environments that will allow them to interrogate, analyse and visualise data.  

Project impacts

The HSDS aims to promote groundbreaking research in heritage science and conservation through enhanced data accessibility and advanced digital tools. The project aims to transform the understanding of UK heritage through enhanced collaboration and will establish the UK as a central hub in global heritage science initiatives.

This initiative will foster skills development in digital research methodologies and strategic partnerships with leading heritage institutions and harness cutting-edge technology from the STFC Hartree Centre. HSDS aims to set new standards in heritage research and digital innovation, strengthening its role in advancing heritage preservation and understanding.