Replacement and upgrade of British Museum GC-MS facilities with GC-QTOF-MS

The British Museum (BM) collection is unique in breadth, encompassing two million years of global human history. The application of science to the study and conservation of the collection is well-established; 2020 marks the centenary of the BM's first 'Research Laboratory'. Our commitment to scientific research excellence combines with a duty to publicly share the collection and the stories embodied by its objects. Our Scientific Research department develops and applies state-of-the-art investigative techniques to deliver this mission with research that reflects the collection's scope and, by training and collaboration, promotes the collection as a global resource for discovery.

Our purpose-built laboratories house a wide range of specialist facilities. Molecular analysis using mass spectrometry is a key strength, and our facilities have developed into a hub that publishes ground-breaking research, attracts international researchers and PhD students, collaborates with other academic institutions, works in collaboration with regional museums and has undertaken commercial work in the heritage sector. Scientific equipment is crucial to this capability and currently comprises GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) configured for diverse sample types and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) for analysing polar and larger molecules at high resolution. Experience has taught us that development and investment in our analytical infrastructure fuels and diversifies our research.

The AHRC CapCo Fund offers a timely opportunity to address urgent replacement and upgrade for our core mass spectrometry equipment. Our oldest GC-MS has served for nearly 20 years and is now not supported by the manufacturer. We propose to replace and upgrade it with a GC-QTOF-MS which will reproduce the capability of the existing instrument and extend it by delivering high mass resolution and accurate mass data with the ability to perform structure elucidation and confirmation via MS/MS processes. Alongside we propose to upgrade our data management with a server-based system providing central storage for all data generated in the mass spectrometry facility, replacing standalone data storage with a system that will deliver greater security, inter-instrument connectivity and streamlined workflows while promoting collaborative working and enabling remote access to lab systems and data.

Addition of these technologies to our instrument portfolio will consolidate our position as the leading museum-based mass spectrometry facility for heritage science in the UK. It will safeguard continuity for current research projects, including our AHRC CDP studentships, and create new opportunities for project development across the full range of the collection. This includes research on natural resins, waxes, paint media, food residues, petroleum products and modern synthetics. Archaeological projects in development include: study of bitumen from the Early Islamic port of Siraf (Iran) to examine the economics of these substances; studies of West African materials via the BM's emerging research partnership with Nigerian museums; study of resources and cultural influences based on ancient Egyptian and Nubian food residues from the BM's recent excavations in Sudan. We also plan new research on natural and synthetic polymers, examining both collection care perspectives and the cultural, economic and environmental implications of the rise of synthetic materials. Increasingly, as the BM embarks on a long-term programme of redisplay, our research is targeted at developing new narratives for display and exhibition. The upgraded analytical facilities will underpin projects aiming to deepen public understanding of some of the most prominent objects in the galleries.

The project is fully deliverable within the required timescale. The equipment can be readily accommodated in existing lab spaces and technical support is extant and sustainable.