We are thrilled to announce that our analytical research laboratory has been awarded a staggering £1.3m to undergo a major upgrade, creating a state-of-the-art centre of excellence that will be available to collections throughout the UK and beyond. This incredible achievement is part of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council’s new Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme, which has invested a total of £80m in research and innovation.
This significant funding will not only elevate our laboratory to the forefront of conservation and heritage science, but it will also enable us to provide our services to a wider range of collections, both nationally and internationally. We are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking programme and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the preservation and understanding of our cultural heritage.
The RICHeS programme aims to support and enhance the research and innovation capabilities of the UK’s cultural heritage sector. It recognizes the vital role that scientific research plays in the conservation and understanding of our heritage, and the need for cutting-edge facilities and equipment to carry out this research effectively. We are honored to be one of the selected recipients of this prestigious award and are committed to utilizing it to its full potential.
The upgrade of our analytical research laboratory will include the latest technologies and equipment, allowing us to conduct a wide range of scientific analyses on various materials, such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, and archaeological artifacts. This will significantly enhance our ability to identify and understand the composition, deterioration, and conservation needs of these objects, ultimately contributing to their long-term preservation.
Moreover, the new centre of excellence will also serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the cultural heritage sector. We will be able to host workshops, training sessions, and conferences, bringing together experts and professionals from different fields to share their knowledge and expertise. This will not only benefit our own research but also contribute to the advancement of the sector as a whole.
The impact of this award goes beyond our laboratory and the collections we serve. It is a testament to the importance of conservation and heritage science and the recognition of its value in our society. The RICHeS programme has provided a significant boost to the sector, enabling us to push the boundaries of research and innovation and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of our cultural heritage.
We are grateful to the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council for their support and investment in our laboratory. This award will not only benefit our current projects but also open up new opportunities for future research and collaborations. We are committed to making the most of this opportunity and are confident that our upgraded laboratory will become a leading center for conservation and heritage science in the UK and beyond.
In conclusion, we are delighted to have been awarded £1.3m to upgrade our analytical research laboratory, creating a centre of excellence that will benefit collections throughout the UK and beyond. This achievement is a testament to the importance of conservation and heritage science and the recognition of its value in our society. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the preservation and understanding of our cultural heritage.
