Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement (OCHRE)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Geography - SoGE
Abstract
OCHRE (Oxford Collaboration in Heritage Science Research and Engagement) responds to the need for a step change in infrastructure for heritage science research capacity as a result of rapidly increasing external and internal demand. OCHRE capitalises on Oxford's existing world-class expertise and infrastructure in heritage and conservation science, and will enable new research collaborations internally and externally by enhancing our facilities and improving how people can access them. Oxford has three, interlinked, major strengths in heritage and conservation science which cover both movable and immovable heritage, i.e., built heritage, collections, and archaeology. Our goal is to support, enhance and connect these three areas of strength through a sustainable heritage science hub based in the newly commissioned CTRC (Collections Teaching and Research Centre) linked to a network of new and updated equipment in eight participating laboratories (spread across the Galleries, Museums and Libraries (GLAM), Maths, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) and Social Sciences Divisions of the University). Together, this will form a 'hub and spoke' model, which will also link to the wider community of heritage scientists across the University.
To address our goal, we have identified two key areas of need: 1) the upgrade of our imaging equipment (SEM, hyperspectral, DIC), mass spectrometry and CT scanning facilities, and portable analysis equipment (including XRF, acceleration monitoring kits, and Lab in Your Pocket devices), and 2) an efficient and user-friendly system which will support and facilitate access for internal and external users to our improved network of mobile and fixed equipment across a range of Oxford labs (in the museums, Bodleian library, archaeology, geography, engineering, chemistry and materials departments).
The equipment we are requesting, and the system that we propose to deploy to manage and share it, will allow OCHRE to provide a much improved interdisciplinary and integrated approach to heritage science. OCHRE will also leverage access to further equipment and facilities in the eight participating departments and more widely across the University, covering an extremely wide range of heritage science techniques and expertise. Our management plan will ensure a phased deployment of equipment, a programme of appropriate training, and an access pilot to find the best system to respond to external demand. It will result in a coherent approach to offering external access to OCHRE's facilities via the CTRC hub, and through the development of a dedicated OCHRE facilities website with a database of facilities and equipment, and a set of 'how to' guides. We already have a dedicated group of external users and collaborators ranging from heritage bodies, museums, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and a world-wide academic community. OCHRE will ensure that we can dramatically expand this service, that all users will get quality service, that we have a pool of well-trained heritage scientists, and that we can generate resources to ensure the sustainability of our facilities over the long term. Our vision is that after 10 years OCHRE will have significantly advanced heritage research, management, conservation, and engagement through a wide range of state-of-the-art tools and labs within a unique shared infrastructure.
To address our goal, we have identified two key areas of need: 1) the upgrade of our imaging equipment (SEM, hyperspectral, DIC), mass spectrometry and CT scanning facilities, and portable analysis equipment (including XRF, acceleration monitoring kits, and Lab in Your Pocket devices), and 2) an efficient and user-friendly system which will support and facilitate access for internal and external users to our improved network of mobile and fixed equipment across a range of Oxford labs (in the museums, Bodleian library, archaeology, geography, engineering, chemistry and materials departments).
The equipment we are requesting, and the system that we propose to deploy to manage and share it, will allow OCHRE to provide a much improved interdisciplinary and integrated approach to heritage science. OCHRE will also leverage access to further equipment and facilities in the eight participating departments and more widely across the University, covering an extremely wide range of heritage science techniques and expertise. Our management plan will ensure a phased deployment of equipment, a programme of appropriate training, and an access pilot to find the best system to respond to external demand. It will result in a coherent approach to offering external access to OCHRE's facilities via the CTRC hub, and through the development of a dedicated OCHRE facilities website with a database of facilities and equipment, and a set of 'how to' guides. We already have a dedicated group of external users and collaborators ranging from heritage bodies, museums, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and a world-wide academic community. OCHRE will ensure that we can dramatically expand this service, that all users will get quality service, that we have a pool of well-trained heritage scientists, and that we can generate resources to ensure the sustainability of our facilities over the long term. Our vision is that after 10 years OCHRE will have significantly advanced heritage research, management, conservation, and engagement through a wide range of state-of-the-art tools and labs within a unique shared infrastructure.
