The RICHeS Access Fund Second Call for applications opens today, Monday 14 September 2026. This initiative continues to enable access to world-class heritage science facilities, collections and expertise to a range of applicants by removing financial and practical barriers to access, fostering new collaborative research.
Unlock new possibilities
RICHeS is the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science, unlocking access to advanced facilities, collections and expertise. Heritage science has the power to reveal new insights, support conservation decisions and deepen understanding of objects, sites and landscapes. Through the RICHeS Access Fund, applicants can explore unanswered questions, uncover hidden knowledge, test innovative approaches and generate evidence to inform future practice.
The Second Call follows the Catalyst awards and the 43 grants awarded through the First Call of the RICHeS Access Fund. Successful applicants for the First Call included museums, galleries, libraries, archives, charities, community organisations, freelancers, independent researchers and universities. These grants are enabling new collaborations, innovative research and advanced understanding, conservation and sustainable use of cultural heritage. The Second Call will build on this momentum, supporting further collaborative research that delivers meaningful impact for cultural heritage and communities across the UK.
Funding available to enable access
A RICHeS Access Fund grant is designed to foster ambitious, collaborative research through enabling access to research infrastructure.
The total value of a grant award is up to £20,000, including eligible costs for the applicants and Service Providers. RICHeS Access Fund 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.
Access activities funded through the Second Call must take place between May 2027 and March 2028.
Second Call timeline
- Second Call Opens: Monday 14 September 2026
- Second Call Closes: Tuesday 15 December 2026
- Funding decisions shared by: May 2027
- Funded access activities must be completed by: March 2028
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.
How to apply
Detailed guidance on eligibility and the application process is available here.
Conversations between applicants and Service Providers are key for assessing feasibility, refining ideas and developing costings. Applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with Service Providers as early as possible and should be aware Service Providers may be unable to accommodate requests received close to the application deadline.
