As RICHeS marks its first full year of coordinated delivery, we are reflecting on twelve months of setting the foundations for the future of UK heritage science. At the heart of this progress is the RICHeS Infrastructure Headquarters (IHQ), a small but dedicated team leading on programme delivery, strategic direction and sector-wide collaboration.
Driving strategic delivery
The RICHeS IHQ team, led by Professor Meggen Gondek, is a team of seven working closely with the RICHeS Programme Board. Meeting quarterly throughout the year, the Board provides essential strategic guidance to ensure the programme remains aligned with its long-term vision to build world-class, accessible and sustainable research infrastructure for heritage science across the UK.
From coordinating cross-institutional partnerships to supporting project delivery and stakeholder engagement, RICHeS IHQ plays a pivotal role in ensuring RICHeS continues to meet the needs of researchers, heritage professionals and cultural organisations alike.
A new home for heritage science
RICHeS IHQ is located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, in the northwest of England, situated alongside the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory. This location represents an exciting new presence for the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in the region and has already become a hub for collaboration across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Co-located with STFC’s Hartree Centre, a partner of the HSDS, has further strengthened opportunities for cross-council collaboration. These partnerships are essential to ensuring RICHeS delivers cutting-edge tools and facilities that underpin the next generation of heritage science research.
Celebrating an award-winning office
Our environmentally sustainable landmark office was officially opened on Thursday 11 September 2025 by UKRI Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sir Ian Chapman. The opening event brought together colleagues from across UKRI, who experienced first-hand the breadth and impact of heritage science through interactive demonstrations by teams from the University of Bradford, Manchester Metropolitan University, STFC’s Campus Technology Hub, and the HSDS.
More than just a workplace, the IHQ building itself reflects the values and ambitions of RICHeS. Designed with sustainability, wellbeing and collaboration in mind, the space sets a national precedent for what future research infrastructure can and should be. Its innovative approach to design and construction has already been recognised, highly commended at the Pagabo Awards 2025 and named winner at the UK Fit-Out Awards 2025 for its sustainability and health-focused credentials.
Looking ahead
As we celebrate one year of RICHeS delivery, our sights are firmly set on the future. With a growing network of partners, an award-winning home base and a clear strategic direction, we are building the foundations for a thriving heritage science ecosystem for the UK.