Strategic Framework Launch 2024-27

The refreshed Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK is a tool to support collaboration across the heritage science community towards three shared goals of:

  • Public value: measurable positive change for society resulting from heritage science
  • Research: excellent research leading to new knowledge, understanding and innovation
  • Community: an includsive, confident, diverse and outward-looking heritage science community

Read the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK, 2024-2027 (pdf)

 

Summary of online launch event, 14th November 2024

Prof Chris Gaffney, Chair of the National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) welcomed everyone to the launch of the new Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK, which has been developed over the last 18 months.

Prof May Cassar, Chair of the Member Council, introduced the Strategic Framework, which aims to enhance the UK's heritage through better use of science, engineering, technology, and innovation. She spoke about the framework’s focus on three priority areas: public value, research, and community, and she encouraged attendees to use the framework as a tool to draw together activities and achievements, and to inspire new collaborations. Three speakers from NHSF member organisations were invited to share examples of their use of the framework and its relevance to current and future projects.

 

Public Value at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Daniel Bone presented on the public value aspect of the strategic framework and how activities at the Ashmolean Museum align to this strand. He highlighted two permanent galleries dedicated to conservation and heritage science, "Restoring the Past" and "Conserving the Past". These galleries showcase the history of repair, reuse, recycling, and restoration, as well as the development of scientific disciplines in conservation and the work of conservators today. Daniel also spoke about their role in the museum's engagement with school parties and the use of interactive displays to demystify the museum experience. He noted that the galleries have been well-received, with visitors enjoying the stories behind the objects such as fakes and forgeries, and the technology used to uncover them. Daniel also mentioned the museum's participation in major temporary exhibitions and the use of videos to showcase conservation and heritage science research. He concluded by noting that while static galleries can't fully replace one-to-one interaction, they still play a significant role in engaging visitors with the museum's collections. The Ashmolean Museum continues to explore opportunities for more personal engagement in the future, with a recent example being the successful Meet Me at the Museum social group for older people and those living with Dementia.

Presentation slides - Strategic Framework: public value. Ashmolean Museum conservation galleries (pdf)

 

Research and the Icon Heritage Science Group

Nicola Grahamslaw from SS Great Britain and the Icon Heritage Science Group, shared information about the Icon Heritage Science Group’s mission to connect people with heritage science resources and how this aligns to the Strategic Framework’s research strand of activity. She spoke about the value of the Strategic Framework’s ambitions to increase the accessibility of research funding, especially to smaller organisations. She also highlighted how Icon’s activities, such as events to introduce people to how heritage science infrastructure can be used and broader work on skills development, align to the Framework’s goals. Nicola provided information about a suite of activities including events, training, and a regular slot in the Institute of Conservation’s magazine which are aimed at helping conservators understand the benefits of heritage science and access heritage science research resources. She spoke about the benefits of the Strategic Framework as a tool to help people work together to support the growth of heritage science research and innovation.

Further information about the Icon Heritage Science Group and its activities can be found here: Icon Heritage Science Group

 

Community and the Skills Investment Plan

Catherine Cartmell, the Skills Investment Plan Manager for Historic Environment Scotland, presented the priorities and actions in the Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s Historic Environment which is a five-year skills strategy and action plan. She highlighted the alignment of the Plan with the Community strand of the Strategic Framework, emphasising the need for collaboration and collective efforts to build a sustainable and healthy skills system. Catherine also gave a more detailed insight to connections with the four Heritage Science Skills Profile priorities: understanding skills gaps, succession planning and continuity; advocacy, funding and support; structured training provision; and attracting future talent and improving pathways. She concluded by inviting input and participation in the next stages of the Skills Investment Plan's development.

Find out more about the Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s Historic Environment.

Presentation slides - How the Skills Investment Plan can support the communities strand (pdf)

 

A call to action!

Prof Cassar then requested that everyone:

  • share the framework with colleagues and networks
  • draw attention to a workshop on January 22nd 2025 which will be used to co-create the delivery plan for the Strategic Framework
  • and help NHSF to identify organisations and initiatives to reach out to, to involve with the Framework.

Details of the workshop will be shared with event participants and via the NHSF newsletter, to which people can subscribe using this link: https://www.heritagescienceforum.org.uk/news/subscribe

 

Heritage Science Collaboration and Advocacy

Following a brief question and answer session, Chris drew the event to a close by emphasising the importance of collaboration and visibility in the heritage science community. He highlighted the need for advocacy and the sharing of good practices across the field.

Next steps

  • Please share the strategic framework with networks
  • Sign-up to the NHSF newsletter to receive an invitation to the January workshop.
  • Use this online form (live until 15th December 2024) to:
    •  identify organisations and initiatives that should be reached out to regarding the framework and January workshop, and
    • make suggestions about methods for collecting and sharing information about activities which contribute progress towards the framework goals