E-RIHS becomes a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)
RICHeS Infrastructure Headquarters (IHQ) will become the UK National Node of the E-RIHS on Monday 31 March 2025
The European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS) is now a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), marking a significant milestone in its development since joining the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) Roadmap in 2016. With this new status, E-RIHS strengthens its position as a key player in heritage science, both in Europe and beyond.
Italy is the host country of E-RIHS ERIC, supported by the Ministry of University and Research and the National Research Council. The E-RIHS Central Hub is based in Florence, thanks to the contribution of Fondazione CR Firenze which has made available spaces at the regenerated historical industrial site of Manifattura Tabacchi. From the Central Hub, E-RIHS coordinates the operational activities among its 11 founding members; Cyprus, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The Central Hub is also set to welcome the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) as a permanent observer.
Designed to serve researchers and professionals, E-RIHS’ mission is to promote an integrated approach to enhance the understanding, conservation and appreciation of our shared cultural heritage. E-RIHS connects different fields of expertise, bridging hard sciences and humanities to create an interdisciplinary research environment. It gathers research organisations, universities, restoration centres and cultural institutions in a unique community that enables access to cutting-edge facilities and resources throughout Europe. In addition, through the HS Academy, E-RIHS offers high-quality training programmes aimed at developing skills and building capacity in heritage science.
Interim Director General of E-RIHS, Dr Vania Virgili said:
“We are grateful to our founding members for their unwavering support and to the European Commission for recognizing E-RIHS as a leading research infrastructure in Europe. We now are a legally established entity, with a lasting legacy and a deep-rooted commitment to advancing heritage science and delivering tangible results that help preserve and promote our shared cultural heritage for the benefit of society.”
The Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) is an ambitious programme led by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Infrastructure Fund. RICHeS is designed to transform the UK’s heritage science landscape by developing a coordinated, sustainable distributed research infrastructure. RICHeS IHQ will become the UK National Node for E-RIHS. RICHeS is set to enhance the UK’s role within E-RIHS ERIC, facilitating new research opportunities, strengthening transnational access to infrastructure, and contributing to a collective effort to safeguard and understand cultural heritage for future generations.
Arts and Humanities Research Council Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said:
“AHRC’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) is proud to be part of this landmark achievement, a signal demonstration the continuing presence of UK science at the heart of Europe. The establishment of E-RIHS ERIC highlights the strength of the UK’s research ecosystem and also of the value and timeliness of our commitment to heritage science and international collaboration”.
The establishment of E-RIHS ERIC unlocks new opportunities for collaboration on both local and global scales. By coordinating services, data, and expertise, E-RIHS allow researchers and professionals to collaborate across border, linking national initiatives with international efforts to foster scientific excellence and innovation in heritage science.
