Celebrating the Launch of the SHEFF BIOARCH RICHeS Investment

On 25 February, the launch of the SHEFF BIOARCH RICHeS-funded investment was marked with a special event at the University of Sheffield, showcasing its internationally significant bioarchaeological collections. The event brought together project partners, colleagues and stakeholders from across the heritage science and research sectors to celebrate this investment and its role in strengthening Sheffield’s contribution to the UK’s research infrastructure landscape.

Bringing the heritage science community together

Consortium partners from the University of Aberdeen and Historic England attended, alongside members of the investments governing body, including representatives from Wessex Archaeology, the Hunter Society, Sheffield Environmental Archaeology Services and Sheffield Museums. The event also welcomed potential users of the collections from across the sector, reflecting growing interest in Sheffield’s bioarchaeological resources.

SHEFF BIOARCH is one of 31 investments that form part of the broader RICHeS distributed network, which connects collections, facilities and expertise across the UK to support world-leading heritage science research.

Showcasing the SHEFF BIOARCH as a nationally significant collection

The afternoon began with guided tours of the Zooarchaeology and Archaeobotany reference collections, led by RICHeS technical specialists. These tours offered visitors the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of materials held in Sheffield and to see first-hand how RICHeS investment is enhancing the collections.

Recent developments include the addition of new mammal and bird specimens, alongside advanced microscope imaging equipment, including a Leica camera with 3D analysis software. These developments are supported through RICHeS investment, contributing to a coordinated national effort to strengthen research infrastructure and improve access to key collections.

The tours prompted lively discussion about the importance of sustaining world-class research collections and the vital role they play in supporting interdisciplinary research, student training, and collaboration across the heritage sector.

The event continued over tea and biscuits, providing a relaxed setting for networking and informal discussion. Conversations throughout the afternoon highlighted increasing demand for access to the SHEFF BIOARCH collections and the opportunities they offer for new research and partnerships.

Enabling access and future research

The SHEFF BIOARCH investment is committed to widening access to these resources and creating new opportunities for researchers and students to engage directly with the collections.

To support this aim, two open days are offered each month providing free access to both the collections and the expertise of technical specialists.

Visitors can book in advance by contacting:

• Dr Lenny Salvagno (l.salvagno@sheffield.ac.uk) for the Zooarchaeology Reference Collection
• Dr Catherine Longford (c.longford@sheffield.ac.uk) for the Archaeobotany Reference Collection

As part of the UK’s distributed RICHeS infrastructure, Sheffield BIOARCH will continue to support researchers, students and collaborators in accessing collections, expertise, and facilities in the months ahead.