The RICHeS Access Fund helps heritage professionals, researchers and organisations gain access to expertise, nationally significant reference collections and cutting-edge equipment including mobile units.
By covering costs that might otherwise be a barrier, this initiative encourages collaborative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research while showcasing the value and impact of a national heritage science infrastructure. Whether you are an individual researcher, a museum or an academic institution, the Access Fund can help you advance you research by enabling access to specialist infrastructure.
The information below corresponds to the Second Call of the RICHeS Access Fund. Previous RICHeS Access Fund Awardees are available to explore here.
Funding available
The total value of a grant award is up to £20,000, including eligible costs for the applicants and Service Providers.
These grants are to enable access to specialist research infrastructure by covering associated costs. The RICHeS Access Fund is not designed to fund wider project activities that take place before, after, or outside the proposed infrastructure access.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from a broad range of individuals and organisations, including:
- Galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM)
- Community organisations
- Registered charitable bodies and social enterprises
- Individual researchers, including PhD or other students whose funding does not already cover costs associated with their research
- Academic organisations and educational establishments (such as schools, colleges, and universities)
- Commercial companies or freelance specialists working in collaboration with eligible partner organisations
Please note: Lead applicants must be based in the UK, and all funded work must be undertaken in the UK.
Timeline for the Second Call
- Second Call Opens: Monday 14 September 2026
- Second Call Closes: Tuesday 15 December 2026
- Funding decisions shared by: May 2027
- Funded access must be completed by: March 2028
Please note: There is no expression of interest stage for the Second Call, only the call for full applications.
The RICHeS Access Fund is an annual fund and a Third Call will follow in 2027.
Applicant Webinar
If you are interested, register and join us for the RICHeS Access Fund Second Call: Applicant Webinar on Wednesday 21 October 2026 13:00 to 14:00.
Further information and next steps
Detailed guidance on the application process and supporting documentation are provided here.
Please note, applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with Service Providers as early as possible. Service Providers may be unable to support requests received close to the application deadline.
