A pioneering network has been formed at the University of Nottingham that will allow researchers to discover more about historical artefacts and our cultural and natural heritage.
The partnership, known as N-MESH Labs (Nottingham Materials and Environment Science and Heritage Laboratories) will be led by the School of Classics and Archaeology, which recently received an investment for new labs and equipment. It will bring together other facilities across the University, including laboratories and capabilities in Life Sciences and in Medicine and Health Sciences, to boost Heritage Science research.
Heritage Science bridges the gap between humanities and science. It uses scientific research to improve people's understanding of our cultural heritage and engage them with our human story and surroundings. The UK is a world leader in Heritage Science, which has become a fast-growing field of research in recent years and a priority area for investment. It supports tourism and education as well as improving the management and preservation of our heritage.
Heritage science is such an interdisciplinary field, which means there's loads we can do by working together across our facilities and capabilities. We already have people working in pockets in and around Nottingham, but by bringing this network together we can do so much more with what we have. The N-MESH network is a really exciting development, and it's great to have so many people backing it.
Existing N-MESH collaborations include:
Work between the Digital Transformation Hub and the University of Nottingham Museum, who work together to produce 3D models of artefacts by photogrammetery - a method where hundreds of photographs of the object are stitched together to create an accurate and detailed digital replica. These are housed on Sketchfab where they can be accessed and used for free in teaching and research.
As part of the AHRC funded Box Office Bears, Professor Hannah O'Regan has used expertise across the N-MESH network to 3D scan an adult bear tibia using our new Artec Spider Scanner. The tibia is 400-years-old, and would have been involved in bear-baiting activities in Southwark in London. The replicas will be used in outreach events, where the public can learn about Hannah's research.
A website with information on the facilities and expertise across the University of Nottingham Institution, our partnerships, and how to access the N-MESH network is coming soon.
