RICHeS Access Fund

The RICHeS Access Fund helps researchers, organisations and heritage professionals gain access to cutting-edge equipment, collections and expertise, including mobile units. By covering costs that might otherwise be a barrier, the fund encourages collaborative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research while showcasing the value and impact of a national heritage science infrastructure. Whether you are an individual researcher, an academic institution or a museum, the Access Fund can help you bring your heritage science projects to life by enabling access to research infrastructure.

The RICHeS Access Fund specifically addresses the challenge of cost, supporting both users and service providers. By facilitating access to the RICHeS-funded distributed infrastructure, the fund also supports the development of expertise and career progression, particularly for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs).

Funding available

The maximum grant award is up to £20,000 which should include the total eligible costs for the project, including those incurred by your Service Provider(s).

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from a broad range of individuals and organisations. Eligible users include, but are not limited to:

• Galleries, libraries, museums and archives​
• 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)​
• Registered charitable bodies and social enterprises​
• 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

The First Call of the RICHeS Access Fund is now closed, with over £500,000 awarded to 43 organisations across the UK.

The Second Call full application stage will open Monday 14 September 2026. Explore the Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) Catalogue of Services to identify service providers.

The Second Call will support projects to be completed between April 2027 and March 2028.

Applicant Webinar

Save the date and register 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 is being refreshed and will be available soon.