- Project Lead: Peter Etchells
- Organisation: Durham University
- RICHeS Investment Accessed: NEMCAS Phase II
Project summary
This project will investigate the potential of X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging to transform the study, conservation and digitisation of historical and archaeological cereal collections. By scanning 50 barley specimens spanning modern, herbarium and archaeological examples, the research will create detailed three-dimensional models of internal and external plant structures, revealing preservation conditions, damage, and morphological characteristics that cannot be identified through traditional approaches.
The project will establish new workflows and best-practice guidance for applying X-ray CT to plant heritage collections, supporting improved taxonomic identification, conservation strategies and future research into crop evolution and traditional landraces. By combining advanced imaging with open-access digital resources, the project will extend the value of existing collections, enhance their accessibility, and provide a transferable methodology for museums, universities, herbaria and archaeological organisations seeking to unlock new information from fragile botanical archives.