Help and guidance

See all

What is heritage science?

The Arts and Humanities Research Council defines heritage science as:

the application of scientific techniques and technologies to improve our understanding, conservation, management and engagement with cultural heritage. It ensures that heritage assets remain safe to view, display, handle and study, and is therefore critical to the continued economic viability of the heritage sector. Put more simply, heritage science is the use of scientific techniques to answer questions about our cultural heritage.

Moreover, the AHRC emphasises that heritage science plays a vital role in preserving and enriching the UK’s cultural heritage, which is both a valuable resource and a driver of innovation in scientific research. The heritage sector significantly impacts the economy, contributing approximately £20 billion annually and supporting around 240,000 jobs across the country.

The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) broadens this definition, highlighting that:

The term ‘heritage science’ is used to encompass all technological and scientific work that can benefit the cultural heritage sector, whether through improved management decisions, enhanced understanding of significance and cultural values or increased public engagement.

The Interdisciplinary Nature of Heritage Science

Heritage science stands out as an inherently interdisciplinary field, drawing expertise from a wide array of disciplines. As outlined by the AHRC, these disciplines include:

  • archaeology
  • conservation
  • materials science
  • art history
  • physics
  • robotics
  • computer science

Real-World Applications

The practical applications of heritage science are vast and impactful. According to the AHRC and RICHeS programme, examples include:

  • the development of sustainable materials to support painting conservation
  • the chemical analysis of organic residues on archaeological vessels
  • hyperspectral imaging to investigate manuscripts and documents