Organisation: University of Nottingham
Principal investigator: Holly Miller
Project overview
Heritage science is essential for understanding past societies and addressing modern challenges such as legacy pollutants and climate change impacts. However, accessing analytical equipment for heritage science is hindered by dispersed expertise and high costs that often limit access for many communities. Understanding the diverse materials of artefacts and their varying environment conditions is crucial for achieving accurate analytical results and requires specialist skills, expert knowledge and dedicated equipment.
The establishment of the Nottingham Heritage Science Gateway (NHSG) aims to overcome these challenges by consolidating existing facilities and researcher capabilities. The NHSG will provide accessible, specialist resources for best-practice sample preparation and analysis across diverse materials and preservation conditions.
Project purpose
This project aims to integrate existing facilities and researcher capabilities, creating accessible, specialist resources for comprehensive sample preparation and analysis. This includes pre-sampling recording and digitisation, sample viability assessments and recommendations. Establishing the NHSG will position Nottingham as a centre for heritage material analysis and preparation.
The NHSG will include three new laboratories: digital imaging, materials processing and molecular processing. Access to these services will be improved with the addition of new sample development equipment and clean room. This new facility will overcome current barriers by offering comprehensive services for diverse heritage materials and environmental contexts, thus advancing research reliability and accessibility.
Project impacts
This project will establish the NHSG as a leading centre for heritage material analysis and sample preparation. By integrating existing facilities with new infrastructure and specialised equipment, the NHSG will significantly enhance analytical capabilities for the heritage science community. This facility will support ongoing and new collaborations, positioning the UK as a global leader in heritage science innovation. It will facilitate multidisciplinary research and create expanding opportunities for impactful insights into human history and environmental heritage.