AHRC Infrastructure Policy and Engagement Fellowships - Heritage Science and Conservation Research
Lead Research Organisation:
Manchester Metropolitan University
Department Name: Politics, Philosophy & History
Abstract
The aim of the AHRC Infrastructure Policy and Engagement Fellowships is to undertake research and engagement around three thematic areas, to inform and facilitate the design of a national research infrastructure in heritage science and conservation research (HSCR), creating an evidence base to inform strategic vision and investment. We are looking for heritage science and conservation researchers in UK IROs and universities who are keen to develop their skills in policy and cultivate an in-depth understanding of the HSCR landscape through data analysis and community engagement."
"Fellows will compile a literature, capacity and capability review of their thematic area, assessing the current UK heritage sector and university-based HSCR facilities, the relevant skills pipelines (or lack thereof) and potential points of synergy and collaboration with the wider scientific research community. Working closely with one another, with experts drawn from the heritage science community, and with colleagues within AHRC and across UKRI, successful Fellows will make recommendations for future action and investment, and produce a strategic delivery plan for the research infrastructure and its associated programme.
"Fellows will compile a literature, capacity and capability review of their thematic area, assessing the current UK heritage sector and university-based HSCR facilities, the relevant skills pipelines (or lack thereof) and potential points of synergy and collaboration with the wider scientific research community. Working closely with one another, with experts drawn from the heritage science community, and with colleagues within AHRC and across UKRI, successful Fellows will make recommendations for future action and investment, and produce a strategic delivery plan for the research infrastructure and its associated programme.
| Description | The work of the three fellows created a large dataset of responses to questions regarding the priorities of the Heritage Science practitioner community for future infrastructure investment. Through a series of structured workshops and a questionnaire, the team identified gaps in provision of services, skills and technology that require investment for the Heritage Science discipline to thrive in the UK commercial and academic sectors. |
| Exploitation Route | The recommendations collected in our report will be used to judge a submission for further infrastructure funding by the AHRC. |
| Sectors | Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Description | Recommendations Report |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | AHRC |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The AHRC funded myself and two other fellows to undertake scoping work on the requirements for Heritage Science Research Infrastructure in the UK over the next ten years. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The AHRC funded and commissioned the research and organised the research programme and work packages. |
| Impact | Recommendations report to the UKRI Infrastructure Committee. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | British Museum |
| Organisation | British Museum |
| Department | Department of Conservation and Scientific Research |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Rebecca Stacy was the FIXLAB and MOLAB fellow on this fellowship programme. I was able to provide assistance in database design and digital archiving procedures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Rebecca Stacey's expertise in physical scientific archives, reference collections and scientific equipment were vital for the success of the fellowship programme. |
| Impact | The submission of a recommendations report to central government for funding for Heritage Science Infrastructure in the UK. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | University of Durham |
| Organisation | Durham University |
| Department | Department of Archaeology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Dr Freya Horsfield was the governance and access fellow in our team of three fellows in receipt of this award. I was able to contribute knowledge of digital systems, technical requirements and archiving. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Freya Horsfield has a background in government policy and impact, and was very helpful in forming the submissions from the rest of the team into the correct language and syntax for submission as a research document. |
| Impact | Research report to the AHRC Infrastructure Committee on the needs of Heritage Science to be fulfilled by funding submission to central government. |
| Start Year | 2021 |