The Heritage Science Data Service will provide core Digital Research Services as part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme, to transform heritage science and conservation research and its capacity to advance understanding, preservation, and management of UK heritage.
The HSDS provides the backbone for RICHeS and the first point of call for researchers and other users to find and contact UK organisations where they can find facilities, equipment, reference collections and datasets.
Heritage science and conservation research has significant digital infrastructure requirements. It employs a broad range of technologies including: digital imaging (3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, X-ray, infrared, hyperspectral, XRF scanning etc), remote sensing (LiDAR, geophysics), 3D modelling, dating (dendrochronology, C14), many analytical approaches, non-invasive or on samples (stable isotopes, Ancient DNA, Zooms, SEM-EDX, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC etc) and large-scale facilities (neutron, synchrotron). Many complementary methods are used in tandem, generating numerous and large-scale datasets (routinely at gigabyte scale), requiring active data management to ensure long-term preservation and re-use. This data is a primary resource, generally born-digital, which cannot be reacquired. It is therefore essential they are managed and curated according to the FAIR data principles.
The HSDS will curate a substantial body of new data across RICHeS and be the national discovery tool for UK heritage science and conservation research. The HSDS will widen access to advanced scientific research facilities for arts and humanities, heritage and archaeological professionals, researchers, engineers and scientists, through:
- a catalogue of research facilities, reference collections and expertise;
- an aggregating function, making data collections navigable and searchable;
- a FAIR repository for research data, encouraging Access and Re-use.
The HSDS will be developed and managed by the ADS in partnership with the STFC Hartree Centre, a high-performance computing, data analytics and AI research facility, formed in 2012. The HSDS also brings together key UK heritage bodies covering England, Scotland and Wales, including the British Museum, British Geological Survey, National Gallery, The National Archives, Natural History Museum, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, and Museum Wales. As initial data providers with associated digital expertise, they enable a ‘design with data’ approach, with sector coverage complementing ADS. At European level the HSDS will provide the UK DIGILAB hub, ensuring that RICHeS can be connected to international initiatives, including E-RIHS, ECCCH and EOSC.
To find out more about the project please visit the HSDS website.
