Heritage Science Data Service

Providing core digital research services as part of the RICHeS programme, the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science. The HSDS will unlock potential for innovation in heritage science and conservation research and its capacity to understand, preserve, manage, and engage with UK heritage.
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Through RICHeS investment, the Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) provides core digital research services that unlock potential for innovation in heritage science and conservation research and its capacity to understand, preserve, manage, and engage with UK heritage.

Through curated datasets and improved access to advanced scientific research collections, facilities and tools, the HSDS will help transform heritage science and conservation research within the UK.

The HSDS is dedicated to providing comprehensive digital research services that empower arts and humanities professionals, heritage and conservation experts and scientists.

It has achieved this through establishing:

  • An accredited and FAIR digital repository that preserves and provides access to critical heritage science data, including provision for data from RICHeS collections and facilities investments and RICHeS Access Fund awardees.
  • The HSDS Catalogue of Services; an easy-to-use resource allowing users to discover and access heritage science and conservation collections and facilities that are essential to their research.
  • The HSDS Data Catalogue; a centralised resource to collate heritage science and conservation data collections from across the UK, making datasets findable and accessible for all users.
  • A collaboration with STFC Hartree Centre  to develop a suite of Virtual Research Environments (VREs) and software tools to allow researchers to access, visualise and analyse large-scale heritage science and conservation datasets.
  • The HSDS Small Grants Programme, providing funding to enhance access to heritage science and conservation resources and develop tailored VRE applications and workflows with STFC Hartree.

Overall, the HSDS will foster skills development in digital research methodologies and strategic partnerships with leading heritage institutions and harness cutting-edge technology from the STFC Hartree Centre. HSDS aims to set new standards in research and digital innovation, strengthening its role in advancing heritage science preservation and understanding.

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