Research infrastructure for conservation and heritage science (RICHeS)
Research infrastructure for conservation and heritage science (RICHeS)

Introducing the National Heritage Science Forum

Caroline Peach, representing the National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) offers insight into the work and impact of the NHSF

Heritage science at its core, is the scientific study of heritage but its scope extends far beyond this simplest of definitions. The field’s breadth is perfectly illustrated by the projects funded in the first phase of the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS). Spanning investment in bioarchaeological reference collections, to a national Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings, the new distributed infrastructure will transform access to research facilities, expertise, resources and data to expand research capability and drive innovation.

The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) connects organisations from across this diverse landscape and the different communities of interest in heritage science. It helps organisations to work together on issues of shared importance such as: the skills, capacity and demography of the workforce, strengthening support for interdisciplinary research through infrastructure and research funding, showing how heritage science research addresses societal challenges and where there are opportunities for collaboration with other fields of study, and advocating for heritage science at policy level.

Making a difference through collaboration

As both a charity and membership organisation, the NHSF welcomes membership from organisations which support its aims of enhancing collaboration and communicating the role of heritage science in creating better outcomes for society.

By working together, our members have a significant impact across the heritage science landscape, including:

  • Identification of five societal challenges to inspire connections between heritage science research and issues that matter to people
  • Coordination of increased access to specialised analytical equipment through the NHSF Kit-Catalogue, engagement with AHRC’s development of RICHeS, and long-term support of the development of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS)
  • Support for early career researchers through networking and development opportunities
  • Resources to support the use of heritage science in school-age learning activities
  • Shared methods and examples to communicate the impact of heritage science research
  • Joined-up advocacy to funders, policy makers and government

A strategic framework for 2024-27

An example of the key role the NHSF plays in facilitating collaboration is the development and coordination of the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK. The framework represents an ambitious vision for the next three years. It centres on three interconnected outcomes that the community has identified as crucial for advancement:

  • Public value: measurable positive change for society resulting from heritage science
  • Research: excellent research leading to new knowledge, understanding and innovation
  • Community: an inclusive, confident, diverse and outward-looking heritage science community

The framework is a tool for use by individuals and organisations from across the heritage science community. We want to encourage people to use it and show how their activities contribute to the delivery of these shared goals.

For more information on the NHSF please:

The NHSF plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between institutions, supporting the field’s continued development, advancing heritage science research and practice and ensuring that the ensuing benefits are visible.