RICHeS is the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science, a long-term £80 million commitment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Since its launch in October 2024, the programme is delivering a generational step change in effectiveness, efficiency and excellence across the heritage science sector.
Connecting the UK to Europe
E-RIHS is the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science, supporting the study, interpretation, conservation, documentation and management of cultural heritage since 1999. Operating through a Central Hub in Florence, Italy and 11 National Nodes across Europe, E-RIHS provides integrated access to expertise, data and advanced technologies to protect heritage.
In March 2025, two significant milestones strengthened UK–European collaboration:
- E-RIHS was officially established as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), recognising its pivotal role within the European research infrastructure landscape.
- RICHeS IHQ became the coordinator of the UK National Node of E-RIHS, cementing the connection between the RICHeS distributed infrastructure within the UK and the broader European network.
Promoting international access and collaboration
As UK National Node coordinator, RICHeS champions opportunities for European collaboration. In August 2025, RICHeS delivered the first E-RIHS Call for Access webinar for UK applicants, to enable UK researchers and heritage professionals to explore and apply for access to services across Europe.
Future Calls for Access from E-RIHS are expected every six months, with projects selection based primarily on scientific excellence and we encourage you to explore the E-RIHS Catalogue of Services to see what is available.
Access to world-class heritage science facilities
If you are interested in accessing services within the UK through E-RIHS, the UK National Node of E-RIHS currently offers access to six Access Providers, offering advanced heritage science facilities and expertise:
- Historic England
- British Museum
- Nottingham Trent University
- The National Gallery
- University College London
- University of York
E-RIHS ERIC Open Days
Florence, 12–14 November 2025 – E-RIHS will host the E-RIHS ERIC Open Days, a three-day event designed to bring together members, partners, and stakeholders.
The Open Days will take place at the Central Hub in Florence (Italy), located in the regenerated industrial site of Manifattura Tabacchi, the permanent headquarters of E-RIHS ERIC.
The programme can be accessed here. If you would like to attend please register here.