{"id":48571,"date":"2026-11-03T17:16:33","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=48571"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:16:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:16:33","slug":"ihbc-celebrates-2026-yearbook-update-no-3-profiling-riches-and-its-80mn-investment-transforming-the-future-of-conservation-and-heritage-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=48571","title":{"rendered":"IHBC celebrates 2026 Yearbook update No. 3: Profiling RICHeS and its \u00a380Mn investment \u2018Transforming the future of Conservation and Heritage Science\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The IHBC\u2019s 2026 Yearbook<\/em> is out, our essential sector guide, reference and review for 2026-27, with features showcasing our 2026 Newcastle School<\/a> theme and IHBC officers\u2019 updates that include Meggen Gondek, on \u2018RICHeS\u2019, the focus of a long-term, \u00a380 million investment in the UK\u2019s new Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

IHBCs Yearbook: A note from 2026 for 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its launch in 2001, the IHBC Yearbook<\/em> has grown from an 80-page publication to one of 120 pages today \u2013 our largest ever. Each edition includes a selection of articles supporting the theme of the Annual School, and the 2026 topic, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, was \u2018a particularly interesting one\u2019, says co-editor Jonathan Taylor: \u2018the topic raises a host of challenging issues, from sustainability and retrofit to the threat of redundancy, and this year we were delighted to welcome articles on a diverse range of topics from adapting churches in Wales to area-wide regeneration initiatives across the UK.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On next year\u2019s school topic, climate change and significance, Taylor finds himself working closely with his colleagues in IHBC\u2019s South-West branch, as the 2027 event is to be held in Bath and Bristol, with a pre-school conference in Plymouth. \u2018We all need to keep abreast of current developments in this fast-evolving field\u2019 says Taylor\u2026 Alongside an exciting range of presentations and site visits, many of the most important issues will be explored in webinars and, of course, in the 2027 edition of the IHBC Yearbook<\/em> itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meggen Gondek, Head of Riches, writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK is widely seen as a global leader in conservation and heritage science, with an extraordinary range of research programmes. While these programmes often intersect and inform one another and sector bodies such as IHBC, ICON and NHSF act as collaborative hubs, there has, until now, been no single framework to help coordinate resources and disseminate knowledge at a national, or indeed transnational level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That role is now fulfilled by RICHeS, the UK\u2019s new Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science. It represents a long-term \u00a380 million investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to strengthen excellence and collaboration across the conservation and heritage science sector. RICHeS is more than an infrastructure programme, it is a catalyst for transformation, enhancing the UK\u2019s position as a global leader in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT RICHES CAN OFFER YOU<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RICHeS opens the door to a connected ecosystem of expertise, facilities and nationally significant collections. Through the programme, users can access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 World class research infrastructure, including specialist laboratories, mobile units and unique reference collections<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Expert support to address conservation and heritage science challenges<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Collaborative opportunities with leading researchers, practitioners and institutions across the UK<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UKRI\u2019s mission is to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive economic growth through research and innovation. RICHeS contributes directly to this ambition by delivering a generational step change in sector effectiveness, efficiency and excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, RICHeS will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Catalyse a more informed, collaborative and innovative UK heritage science community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Ensure the sector has the capability and the capacity to meet demand and deliver world-class scientific outcomes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Ensure that heritage science equipment, expertise, resources and data are findable and accessible to users, available to external stakeholders, and capable of being leveraged by a range of partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these investments, RICHeS will strengthen sector resilience, support evidence-based policy, deepen public understanding and enhance the UK\u2019s global reputation for excellence in heritage science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A NATIONAL NETWORK OF COLLECTIONS AND FACILITIES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched in October 2024, RICHeS is invested in national capability through 13 host collections and 17 host facilities across the UK. From 2026 onwards, these will be fully operational, offering year-round access to a broad range of users. Each investment includes dedicated specialist staff to support informed and effective access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RICHeS portfolio reflects the full breadth of conservation and heritage science, spanning architecture, archaeology, art, moving image, written texts and landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026 GET INVOLVED<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RICHeS is an open, collaborative infrastructure and its success depends on the community it serves. To learn more, explore opportunities or discuss how RICHeS can support your work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Email: RICHeS@ahrc.ukri.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Website: https:\/\/www.riches.ukri.org<\/a> \/<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Stay connected: Subscribe to the newsletter and follow RICHeS on LinkedIn for updates, funding calls and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meggen Gondek is Head of RICHeS IHQ and Professor of Archaeology at University of Chester<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 YEARBOOK CONTENTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Structure and Membership<\/p>\n\n\n\n