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Arts and Humanities Research Council Funding Call

For Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science

Fund Overview

The Research Infrastracture for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) fund is designed to maximise the research, development and innovation potential of UK heritage science by delivering a generational step change in sector effectiveness, efficiency and excellence.

Specifically, the fund will:

  • Catalyse the development of an informed, collaborative and innovative UK heritage science community
  • Ensure that the heritage science sector has the capability and the capacity to meet user demand and deliver world-class scientific excellence
  • Ensure that heritage science equipment, expertise, resources and research data are accessible to users and external stakeholders, and capable of being leveraged by a range of partners

Funding the acquisition of research equipment including microscopy solutions will contribute to these objectives. Strategic microscopy solutions will enable institutions to access heritage science facilities and collections, to expand their microscopy capabilities, encourage new collaborative research projects and amplify the impact of heritage science research.

Participating institutions will form part of a national infrastructure for heritage science and conservation research, supported by a coordinating hub (the RICHeS Infrastructure Headquarters), and a new Digital Research Service. The funding council for the programme is the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

What Will Be Funded
The equipment funding will cover capital and capitalisable costs only. These include:

  • Purchase, delivery and installation of, or costs associated with building, equipment for heritage science and conservation research
  • Peripherals such as IT equipment and software, where not already present
  • Staff costs associated with building, installing and setting up the equipment
  • Service and maintenance of this equipment, to improve and extend its usable life
  • Services and materials to enable an expansion or refit of space to host equipment

Fund Value
The value of your grant application can be up to £1 million. The AHRC will fund 100% of the full economic cost of equipment and facilities, and 80% of additional staff posts.

Timeline
You should complete the ‘Intention to Submit’ form (one-page short form) ahead of submitting your application through the UKRI Funding Service. This must be submitted by 4:00pm on Friday 25th August 2023. The AHRC must receive your full application by Tuesday 17th October 2023 at 4:00pm.

How can we assist with your application?
Increase your chances of success by leveraging our extensive systems knowledge. Our team is happy to support you at any stage of your application provided it includes equipment from our portfolio, which is our area of expertise. We can provide application support services via an independent third party. The level support provided is tailored to your needs and can range from proof-reading to partial grant writing.

ZEISS Solutions for RICHeS Funding Call

As outlined above, the RICHeS fund aims to promote innovation and the development of heritage science in the UK. Here are some recommended solutions that meet the application criteria, note that this is not an exhaustive list. Contact us for more information.

  • Xradia 510 Versa

    Non-destructive 3D X-ray Imaging at Submicron Resolution

    Xradia Versa XRM feature dual-stage magnification based on synchrotron-caliber optics and revolutionary RaaD™ (Resolution at a Distance) technology for high resolution even at large working distances, a vast improvement over traditional micro-computed tomography.

  • EVO 15

    Modular SEM platform for intuitive operation, routine investigations and research applications. Used with an EDX detector, it can help you identify the elemental composition of paintings and materials.

  • Axio Zoom.V16

    The on-axis zoom microscope Axio Zoom.V16 delivers both high resolution and a zoom range of 16x. Seamlessly focus in on the smallest details - with a large free working distance and a single objective. Quickly and easily stitch large tile-images at low to medium magnification with impressive double resolution.

  • Conservation and Restoration Solutions

    Explore our applications hub to learn more about our tailored solutions for conservation and restoration.

Additional Information

Strategic Priorities
When applying to the RICHeS Fund, it is important that you understand the priorities of the AHRC. These may change periodically, but the AHRC currently has the following priorities:

  • Contemporary challenges: analysing the present, and learning lessons from the past to shape a better future
  • Creative economy: research supporting the recovery and growth of the cultural and creative economy
  • Cultural assets: conserving, curating and maximising the impact of our museums, galleries, libraries and archives so our national collections are accessible to all
  • Discovering ourselves: supporting cutting-edge rigorous enquiry-led research with international impact that leads to new discoveries and helps us understand ourselves and the world

When writing up your grant application, ensure you align with one or more of these priorities. This will help make your application strong and more likely to be awarded funding. The AHRC has some great advice for applicants writing grant applications on their website.

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