A VRE is a secure, custom-built online platform that acts as a central digital workbench for researchers and teams, providing high-powered computing virtually through your own PC. Designed to support heritage professionals, the platform enables users to analyse, share, and visualise their work more efficiently, making complex research processes faster and more collaborative. 

Built by STFC Hartree Centre, users will be able to access specialist software including:

• Blender
• QGIS
• R (GUI interface)
• CloudCompare
• GIMP
• VS Code
• ImageMagick
• MetaShape

Users will also be able to directly access HSDS data sets, allowing them to select relevant files and quickly load data into their personal storage area. 

The ways in which the VRE can be used will vary depending on individual project aims and the data being analysed. Current applications include calibrating large numbers of radiocarbon dates and automated feature detection of cultural heritage features within LiDAR datasets. VREs are already supporting a wide range of heritage science and conservation research projects. You can see further examples of VRE use cases on our Case Studies page. 

Access to the HSDS VRE is open to all heritage science and conservation researchers. Access is granted through an application process, which includes submission of a Data Management Plan and the completion of the VRE Account Creation Form. More information on how to register for use can be found on our ‘How to Access the VRE’ page. 

As a new and evolving service, the Virtual Research Environment will continue to develop, with several updates already planned. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact the HSDS Helpdesk at help@hsds.ac.uk.

Some keys events include:

• AIM
  • 10th-11th June 2026 Ushaw
  • What defines a truly successful museum? This perennial question lies at the heart of this year’s conference. Drawing on ground-breaking new research into the sector’s most effective business models, we will unpack the essential strategies and practical steps your institution needs to succeed.
• ICON 
  • 24 – 25 June 2026 Edinburgh
  • This years theme of Practice, People and Purpose offers a valuable opportunity to come together to celebrate the work of professional conservator-restorers, shining a spotlight on the power of the Conservation profession. There will also be a dedicated ‘Heritage Science Zone’, sponsored by RICHeS.

For both conferences the HSDS will be exhibitors ready to answer any heritage science and conservation related questions. While you attend these conferences please do take some time to stop by and say hello and find out how we could help your organisation.

This new resource includes three key sections:

• Training Resources allows users to explore HSDS training materials on a range of topics relating to data management and digital preservation.
• Catalogues Help includes guides to help users get the most out of our Data Catalogue and Catalogue of Services.
• Upcoming training is a dedicated section to browse and register for training sessions on a range of topics. 

The training hub will be regularly updated with new resources to use in formal and informal learning environments, as well as to reflect new training sessions. Keep an eye out on the HSDS website and social media channels in the coming months for further details of the training sessions and additional resources.

The survey takes 15–20 minutes and is open until 15 June 2026.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSDS_UserNeeds

__________

The survey is part of a three-year user needs research programme run by NHSF on behalf of HSDS. Building on Year 1 baseline data gathered in 2025, this year’s survey tracks how awareness and priorities are shifting, and gathers feedback on newly launched services — including the HSDS Catalogue of Services and Data Catalogue.

This session, presented by Dr Ewan Chipping, will focus on metadata for heritage science projects. We will look at the structured information used to describe, document, manage, and share data about cultural heritage objects, sites, materials, and scientific analyses performed on them. How to compile metadata, standards and controlled vocabulary will be highlighted. Along with the wider context of how metadata enables researchers, museums, and archives to find, understand, reuse, and preserve heritage-related data across institutions and disciplines.

To register and find out more about this training please visit the HSDS training hub.

This landmark initiative will establish a robust, UK-wide evidence base on workforce composition, skills, training pathways, and sector challenges supporting future strategy, investment and long-term resilience across the heritage science sector. 

Why this survey matters

Heritage and conservation science plays a vital role in the care, understanding and interpretation of the UK’s cultural assets from historic buildings and landscapes, to museum collections and archives. As reported by Historic England in August 2024, the wider heritage sector supports over 200,000 jobs and contributes £44.9 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy. Despite its significance, the sector faces growing pressures including skills gaps, regional disparities and the rapidly evolving impacts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence that are reshaping workforce needs. 

This survey will provide the first truly national picture of the heritage science workforce, offering critical insights into capacity, capability, diversity and future skills requirements.

Professor Meggen Gondek, Head of RICHeS IHQ said:
“Understanding who works in heritage science and the challenges they face is essential for securing the sector’s future. This survey will provide the evidence we need to make informed decisions on investment and workforce planning.”

What will this project deliver

Running from March 2026 to January 2027, Icon will deliver a comprehensive programme of research, including:

• A large-scale quantitative survey generating statistically robust data across the sector
• Targeted qualitative research, including focus groups and interviews, to capture lived experiences and professional perspectives 
• In-depth analysis of workforce size, skills, training needs, pay, job security and structural inequalities 
• Integration with existing UK labour market data and previous sector studies to provide wider context

The final report will be made publicly available and will serve as a vital resource for policymakers, funders, organisations and practitioners across the heritage and conservation landscape.

This project will engage a broad range of organisations and individuals, from Higher Education Institutions, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) organisations, public sector bodies, to commercial operators and charitable organisations, ensuring the findings are comprehensive and representative.

Emma Jhita, Icon CEO said:
“This survey is a pivotal step in strengthening the future of heritage and conservation science in the UK. Icon is delighted to have been appointed by RICHeS to lead this work and to collaborate with practitioners, researchers and organisations across the country to build a robust evidence base that will inform skills development, investment and long-term resilience for the sector “

Looking ahead

Alongside the research, there will be opportunities for the sector to engage with the project, including a planned webinar and stakeholder activities to share early insights and encourage participation.

RICHeS is delighted that Icon brings ambitious plans to connect with communities across the UK, ensuring the survey reflects the full breadth and diversity of the heritage science workforce. Further details on how to get involved will be shared soon.

The HSDS Catalogue of Services provides an easy-to-use resource allowing users to discover and access RICHeS facilities that are essential to their research. With filters allowing resources to be categorised by Region, Organisation, Technique, and Asset Types, users will be able to quickly find and apply to use the best facility for their needs.

This session, presented by Dr Ewan Chipping,  is designed for organisations who currently advertise their service via the HSDS Catalogue of Services or would like to in the future. The training will provide instruction on how to set up users using the ADS/HSDS User Management Application, how to login into the HSDS Catalogue of Services and how to update the entry for your organisation. There will be time set aside to answer any questions that you might have. A recording of the session will be circulated after the event. Registration for this event is mandatory.

To register and find out more about this training please visit the HSDS training hub.

Developed to streamline the process of depositing data and associated metadata , this system represents a significant advancement in our deposition capabilities. This new system:

• Is quick to use,
• Supports multiple file formats, 
• Facilitates all types of deposits (small to large),
• Automates metadata extraction using a single template, and
• Validates your files and metadata during deposition

A full launch of Ingest is scheduled for April 28th 2026. While it is being rolled out all existing deposit methods, will continue to be available.

Comprehensive training will be available free of charge for all users once the Ingest system is launched. Keep an eye out on the ADS and HSDS websites and social media channels in the coming weeks for further details of the launch including information about training sessions and additional resources.