Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH): Infrastructure for Research in Material Culture and Collections

The Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH) fosters an expansive and multivocal approach to heritage. From a 'pop up' Museum uncovering the making and meaning of ancient Egyptian collections for culturally underserved communities, to a research-based exhibition dispelling myths about medieval manuscripts, our approach is robust in its scientific foundations and humanistic in its engagement with artefacts, people and their multifaceted cultural and natural contexts. The technological and scientific study of heritage collections inherently integrates STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths). This trans-disciplinary approach inspires us to think differently about global societal challenges such as confronting our colonial legacies, promoting equality and diversity and resolving conflict. Through heritage science, we not only create new ways to preserve and investigate our heritage; we also translate research into insights that benefit public education, enjoyment and wellbeing. We are committed to supporting key national challenges in our neighbouring communities, while also shaping and delivering on global research agendas. Built on bottom-up synergic collaborations, this proposal seeks support to develop CHERISH as a distributed research infrastructure. The project is led by four University of Cambridge institutions: the Fitzwilliam Museum with its paintings conservation department, the Hamilton Kerr Institute; the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research; the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology; and Cambridge University Library. They are at the intersection of a broader network of departments undertaking heritage science research on the University's Designated collections that number over 15 million items and uniquely bridge archaeology, anthropology, art, manuscript and book history, history of science and natural history. There is an urgent need to consolidate, strengthen and sustain our research, which has gained significant momentum in recent years through investment in staffing and collections, but has now outgrown its supporting infrastructure. Our sector-leading experts are actively integrating archaeological science, heritage science and other strands of collections-based research. We make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK, through national and international collaborations and our active membership of the National Heritage Science Forum and the Society for Archaeological Sciences. Our proposed investment in CHERISH, already a major research facility, will enable us - and our collaborators and research visitors - to set standards for the sector and deliver more numerous, innovative and impactful research, training and engagement projects. Accelerated digitisation programmes will make the University's extensive collections globally accessible to an unprecedented extent. The availability of a complete suite of fully portable equipment will enable comprehensive non-invasive characterisation of heritage collections in Cambridge and beyond. Our approach is underpinned by the principles of integration and accessibility. Through refurbishing spaces and upgrading our equipment, we will streamline technical workflows; unlock capacity for income generation; and inspire holistic arts- and humanities-led approaches to heritage research. We will also meet proven demand from internal and external researchers to examine our collections, use our facilities and upskill through top-quality training. Building on existing inclusion partnerships, we will ensure our findings are widely shared through co-created displays, exhibitions and public programming for the benefit of our local and global audiences.