The Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme has launched a new funding opportunity, Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science, with £6.2 million available to strengthen the UK’s conservation and heritage science ecosystem through investment in infrastructure, innovation and collaboration.
This opportunity represents the next phase of the RICHeS programme, building on the establishment of the RICHeS national network of distributed infrastructure and supporting the development of advanced capabilities that will benefit the wider conservation and heritage science community.
The opportunity is designed for ambitious consortium-led projects that bring together research organisations, heritage organisations and industry partners to address shared challenges and strengthen national capability. Through investment in facilities, equipment and collaborative innovation, the programme aims to enhance access to nationally significant infrastructure, support knowledge exchange and enable the development of new technologies and approaches.
Supporting infrastructure, innovation and collaboration
This investment will strengthen the UK’s conservation and heritage science ecosystem by supporting:
- Strategic capital investment in equipment, facilities and nationally significant capability platforms
- Collaborative innovation projects that connect researchers with industry partners, including SMEs
- Sustainable access models that expand the use of nationally important facilities
- New approaches and technologies that address unmet demand across the sector
The call will enhance collaboration between research organisations, heritage organisations and industry, supporting technology development, knowledge exchange and pathways towards future innovation and commercialisation
Funding available
Projects can request funding with a Full Economic Cost of up to £1.5 million. Applications must combine two complementary elements:
- Capital investment of up to £1.2m to develop, upgrade or equip nationally significant facilities, capabilities and infrastructure
- Cascading funding for Innovation of up to £300,000 to support collaborative innovation activities with industry partners, including SMEs, enabling knowledge exchange, co-development and new applications of heritage science capability
Who should apply?
RICHeS is seeking consortium applications that demonstrate:
- Strong partnerships and collaboration across a coherent network of organisations
- Meaningful engagement with private-sector SMEs to support innovation and knowledge exchange
- A clear understanding of current and future sector needs, supported by evidence of unmet demand
- A strategic contribution to national capability that strengthens and extends the existing RICHeS distributed infrastructure network
Projects should deliver benefits beyond individual organisations, creating sustainable capabilities and improving access to infrastructure for the wider conservation and heritage science community. This investment is intended to build a more connected, resilient and innovative national ecosystem while avoiding unnecessary duplication of existing facilities and capabilities.
Key dates
- Applications open: Monday 7 September 2026, 09:00
- Applications close: Wednesday 25 November 2026, 16:00
- Projects must start by 1 April 2027
Applicant Webinar
With applications now open, prospective applicants are invited to join the Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science Applicant Webinar on Wednesday 30 September 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00.
The webinar will provide further insight into the aims of the funding opportunity, including its focus on building ambitious consortia, strengthening nationally significant conservation and heritage science infrastructure, and supporting collaborative innovation with industry partners, including SMEs. Attendees will receive guidance on eligibility, application requirements and assessment criteria, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how their proposed projects can contribute to the UK’s wider conservation and heritage science ecosystem.
Register for the Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science: Applicant Webinar
Further information
Full details of the opportunity, including eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and application guidance, are available on the UKRI Funding Finder and the RICHeS website
This investment reflects RICHeS’ commitment to developing a coordinated, accessible and sustainable infrastructure landscape for conservation and heritage science. Through collaborative, innovative and ambitious projects, the programme will help unlock new capabilities and create lasting benefits for the UK’s conservation and heritage science community.