Organisation: Queen’s University Belfast
Principal investigator: Patrick Gleeson
Project overview
The Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science (IHES) completed an upgrade in 2021 to establish a cutting-edge facility that integrates novel thermal decomposition-based carbon separation techniques. This initiative enhances leadership in heritage science, particularly through its renowned 14CHRONO facility, aiming to resolve legacy dating issues in UK museum collections while meeting Northern Ireland’s regional heritage sector needs.
Project purpose
The project aims to enhance IHES into a pivotal infrastructure for conservation, heritage and environmental sciences, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for isotope geochemistry, materials characterisation, imaging, and environmental modelling.
By integrating advanced technologies, micro-CT imaging and evolved gas analysis, IHES will pioneer novel approaches in radiocarbon dating and chemical characterisation of museum collections. IHES aims to future-proof regional heritage needs in Northern Ireland and establish a globally leading-edge facility for addressing UK-wide and international conservation challenges.
Project impacts
The establishment of the IHES Facility will significantly advance heritage science by offering capabilities in chronological modelling, isotope geochemistry and materials analysis. It will foster partnerships and collaborations, ensuring solutions for Northern Ireland’s heritage sector. This initiative not only addresses legacy conservation issues but also positions IHES as a cornerstone for fundamental research and access to heritage science collections.
