We have been awarded a £500,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation to enhance our North East Material Culture Analytical Suite (NEMCAS), strengthening the University's ability to protect, study and better understand our shared heritage.
Major investment in research facilities
The funding will support the purchase of specialist imaging equipment, helping researchers investigate archaeological and heritage objects in greater detail while using less invasive methods.
The grant will sit alongside existing support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Office for Students, demonstrating the value of collaboration between charitable and public funders in delivering world-leading research.
The investment marks another significant milestone for NEMCAS, a £2 million facility based within our Department of Archaeology that provides advanced research capabilities for universities, museums, galleries, libraries and industry partners across the UK.
Protecting the past
The new equipment will enable researchers to identify heritage and archaeological remains that are at risk from the effects of climate change.
It will also support studies of ancient diets and plant materials, helping scientists understand how people adapted to changing environments in the past and providing insights that could contribute to developing crops better suited to future dry climates.
By allowing experts to examine the internal structure of objects without causing damage, the technology will open up new opportunities for research while helping to preserve important artefacts for future generations.
A boost for research, innovation and collaboration
The grant further strengthens Durham's position as a leader in heritage science.
NEMCAS already brings together expertise from across disciplines and supports researchers working with museums, cultural organisations and industry.
The Wolfson Foundation's investment will expand the University's research capabilities, encourage new partnerships and create opportunities for innovation that extend beyond archaeology.
As researchers continue to explore the stories hidden within historical objects and landscapes, the enhanced facility will help generate new knowledge, support skills development and deliver lasting cultural, educational and economic benefits for the North East of England and beyond.
