Tranche 1 – facilities

Coastal and Inland Waters Heritage Science Facility

Organisation: University of Southampton 
Principal investigator:
 Fraser Sturt 

This facility aims to overcome barriers in archaeological investigation by enhancing access to advanced equipment and expertise for geophysical and geotechnical data collection. It will address core heritage science challenges and contribute insights into broader disciplines like oceanography, earth science and climate change.

Coastal and Inland Waters Heritage Science Facility


Biomolecular tools for Archaeological, Conservation and Heritage Science (BIOARC-HS)

Organisation: University of York
Principal Investigator:
Oliver Craig

The BIOARCH-HS facility aims to expand and enhance biomolecular analysis in the UK, addressing the growing demand and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across archaeology, biology and chemistry.

Biomolecular tools for Archaeological, Conservation and Heritage Science (BIOARC-HS)


Multiscale Heritage X-ray Imaging Centre

Organisation: British Museum
Principal investigator:
Daniel O’Flynn

This project aims to establish the Multiscale Heritage X-ray Imaging Centre, a facility that will enhance heritage science by centralising advanced imaging technologies to drive interdisciplinary research and foster collaborations in cultural heritage preservation and interpretation.

Multiscale Heritage X-ray Imaging Centre


Creating a national integrated mobile and fixed lab for collections, historic buildings and sites

Organisation: Historic England
Principal Investigator:
David Thickett

This project aims to enhance the research infrastructure of theHistoric Buildings and Monuments Commission for England by establishing a national network of integrated national mobile and fixed laboratories to address climate change impacts on heritage preservation, sustainability and energy efficiency across England’s historic sites.

Creating a national integrated mobile and fixed lab for collections, historic buildings and sites


Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science: 14CHRONO for RICHeS

Organisation: Queen’s University Belfast
Principal investigator:
Patrick Gleeson

The Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science is establishing a cutting-edge facility, using novel thermal decomposition-based carbon separation techniques to address legacy dating issues for UK museum collections while supporting Northern Ireland’s regional heritage sector.

Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science: 14CHRONO for RICHeS


Archaeology and the Environment Science Facility (AEonS)

Organisation: University of the Highlands and Islands
Principal investigator:
Ingrid Mainland

The project aims to establish a distributed Archaeology and the Environment Science Facility in Scotland to enhance research capabilities, address regional expertise gaps and support the heritage science community.

Archaeology and the Environment Science Facility (AEonS)


Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings

Organisation: Historic Environment Scotland
Principal investigator:
David Mitchell

The project aims to establish a new national Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings aiming to enhance energy efficiency, heritage conservation and promote sustainable practices in the UK.

Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings


AHRC Centre for Chemical Characterisation in Heritage Science (C3HS)

Organisation: University of Bristol
Principal investigator:
Lucy Cramp

This project will establish the Centre for Chemical Characterisation in Heritage Science, an analytical facility that integrates molecular and isotopic analysis with high-precision radiocarbon dating capabilities to support the heritage community.

AHRC Centre for Chemical Characterisation in Heritage Science (C3HS)


NeMCAS Phase II

Organisation: Newcastle University
Principal investigator:
Lisa-Marie Shillito

This project will enhance the Newcastle Material Culture Analytical Suite, a dedicated facility for advanced imaging and analysis of heritage science collections supporting interdisciplinary research and commercial partnerships.

NeMCAS Phase II


Accessing modern and contemporary art materials research

Organisation: Tate
Principal investigator:
Bronwyn Ormsby

This project will enhance the Tate’s modern and contemporary art conservation capabilities through upgraded scientific equipment, new partnerships and proactive preservation of evolving material-based heritage science.

Accessing Modern and Contemporary Art Materials Research


Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement (OCHRE)

Organisation: University of Oxford
Principal investigator:
Heather Viles

The Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement hub aims to revolutionise heritage science by establishing a collaborative hub with upgraded imaging and analytical equipment across multiple disciplines, enhancing research capabilities and accessibility.

Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement (OCHRE)


From Land to Sea: a facility for prospection, landscapes and people 

Organisation: University of Bradford 
Principal investigator:
Catherine Batt 

This project will establish the Submerged Landscape Archaeology Facility that will use agile technologies to explore endangered archaeological landscapes, fostering global collaboration and enhancing the UK’s leadership in heritage science. 

From Land to Sea: a facility for prospection, landscapes and people 


Nottingham Heritage Science Gateway (NHSG)  

Organisation: University of Nottingham 
Principal investigator:
Holly Miller 

This project will establish the Nottingham Heritage Science Gateway, centralising expertise in advanced analytical capabilities to foster innovation and collaboration to address complex challenges in understanding and preserving cultural and environmental heritage. 

Nottingham Heritage Science Gateway (NHSG)


BFI National Archive Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory (MICRL) 

Organisation: British Film Institute 
Principal investigator:
  Kieron Webb  

The project will establish the Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory to advance the preservation and understanding of the UK’s film and video collections through heritage science, fostering collaboration and transforming conservation practices. 

BFI National Archive Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory (MICRL)


The National Archives Centre for Heritage Science and Conservation Research 

Organisation: National Archives 
Principal investigator:
Juergen Vervoorst 

This project will enhance the Heritage Science and Conservation Research infrastructure at the National Archives, promoting collaboration, advancing sustainable archival practices and expanding access to historical records. 

The National Archives Centre for Heritage Science and Conservation Research


Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis, for Conservation and Heritage 

Organisation: Manchester Metropolitan University 
Principal investigator:
Benjamin Edwards  

The Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis, for Conservation and Heritage aims to revolutionise heritage science by establishing an accessible hub for advanced digital modelling and analysis, enabling comprehensive study and conservation of heritage objects.  

Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis, for Conservation and Heritage


Perfform: built heritage for communities and collections 

Organisation: Cardiff University 

Principal investigator: Nicola Emmerson 

This project will establish the Perfform Facility that aims to understand and enhance energy efficiency, preserve collections and forecast climate impacts for historic buildings in Wales, fostering sustainable conservation practices. 

Perfform: built heritage for communities and collections