About
RICHeS is the UK National Node of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS).
The United Kingdom has been a committed member of the E-RIHS since its inception, contributing world-class expertise, advanced methodologies and services through its leading institutions. This collaboration has helped shape the evolving landscape of heritage science across Europe.
In March 2025, the RICHeS Infrastructure Headquarters (RICHeS IHQ) was appointed as the UK National Coordinator for the UK National Node of E-RIHS, a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). This pivotal role strengthens the UK’s leadership in conservation and heritage science and positions RICHeS IHQ as a strategic link between the UK and the wider European heritage science sector.
Through this collaboration, the UK National Node provides integrated access to world-class facilities, mobile and fixed analytical services, curated collections, and digital tools to support research, conservation, and understanding of Europe’s cultural heritage. These capabilities are delivered through four integrated platforms:
- ARCHLAB: Access curated scientific archives, sample collections, technical images, analytical data and conservation documentation from Europe’s leading museums, galleries and research institutions.
- FIXLAB: Utilises large-scale, fixed (non‑mobile) research facilities and expert analytical services for advanced diagnostics, material characterisation and conservation studies.
- MOLAB: Delivers mobile, non‑invasive, in‑situ instrumentation and expertise for real‑time analysis of artworks, monuments, sites and other heritage assets that cannot be moved.
- DIGILAB: Leverage digital tools and data, including data processing, visualisation, interoperability services and digital heritage science infrastructure to support data‑driven research and heritage digital‑twin creation.
In addition, RICHeS IHQ promotes the development of standardised practices, protocols and an ecosystem of data, tools and services for conservation and heritage science research. By fostering an inclusive, multidisciplinary approach, it ensures that the next generation of heritage scientists receives high-quality training and development.
As a distributed research infrastructure, RICHeS is committed to making heritage science equipment, expertise, resources, and research data findable, accessible, and effectively utilised by a broad spectrum of users across the UK and beyond. RICHeS IHQ looks forward to the opportunities generated by the consortium and to working closely with European colleagues to advance the boundaries of conservation and heritage science.
E-RIHS Call for Access
