Organisation: Science Museum
Principal investigator: Michelle Stoddart
Project summary
The Science Museum Group consists of five British museums dedicated to the history and contemporary practice of science, medicine, technology, industry and media. In heritage science, a critical challenge exists in effectively managing hazards within collections.
This issue has been neglected, leaving artefacts vulnerable and restricting access to collections. This project aims to address this pressing issue and drive advancements in the UK heritage science community.
Project purpose
The project aims to establish a comprehensive hazardous materials library and dataset to systematically address hazards in heritage collections, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and medicine collections.
By enhancing awareness and providing professionals with tools to identify and manage hazards, the project aims to ensure safe access to collections while advancing scientific excellence and foster knowledge sharing across the sector.
Project impacts
The project aims to create a hazardous materials library and dataset, develop robust hazard management procedures, and share high-level hazard information digitally. The project will raise awareness and provide comprehensive hazard support to regional and independent museums, empowering institutions with limited resources.
This project will establish best practices aligned with updated health and safety standards to safeguard collections and personnel. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but will result in practical hazard management controls that will broaden access to collections, ensuring they can be researched safely, enhancing scientific understanding and innovation in heritage science.