Organisation: University of Bristol
Principal investigator: Lucy Cramp
Project overview
The University of Bristol has a distinguished history of pioneering mass spectrometry applications in heritage science that help determine the nature and origin of heritage objects, establish conservation strategies and provide accurate dating. Recent advancements in methodology and instrumentation have expanded the scope of research questions through molecular analysis, leading to increased demand of these analytical techniques.
To meet the needs of the heritage science community, this project aims to establish the Centre for Chemical Characterisation in Heritage Science (C3HS). This cutting-edge analytical facility will integrate advanced molecular and isotopic analysis techniques, supporting research on chemically complex heritage materials and facilitate high-precision radiocarbon dating across a wide range of organic artefacts.
Project purpose
The project aims to enhance the University of Bristol’s analytical capabilities by establishing the Centre for Chemical Characterisation in Heritage Science (C3HS). This new centre will consolidate major instrumentations, upgrade ageing equipment, increase capacity and improve accessibility for the wider heritage science community.
C3HS will offer easy access to its facilities, along with dedicated support, expertise and training. By fostering innovation, the C3HS will empower researchers to unravel the molecular compositions and isotopic signatures of diverse historical materials, enabling more precise dating and characterisation studies.
Project impacts
This project will establish the C3HS that will provide comprehensive analytical support and training. C3HS will foster innovative research initiative, advancing the understanding of heritage materials’ composition, origin and preservation. This facility aims to streamline the process of molecular and isotope analysis, accelerating scientific discoveries and promote interdisciplinary collaborations within the heritage science community.
