New national £80 million science and humanities project launched in Runcorn
Published: 22/10/2024
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens was proud to be at the heart of the launch of an ambitious, new national £80 million science and humanities project at Sci Tech Daresbury, near Runcorn, earlier this month.
Joint projects between Norton Priory and Daresbury’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) were showcased at a special event in front of 180 delegates to announce a new Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme.
As an example of exciting joint working, this featured a small replica interpretation model of Norton’s double-sized medieval St Christopher stone statue produced by the 3D printing team at STFC Daresbury labs.
Dr Carla Burrell, RICHeS Senior Engagement Manager said: “This £80 million investment into the UK’s heritage science sector is a remarkable opportunity. RICHeS is the first long-term, government-funded programme designed to strategically drive innovation and advance heritage science conservation efforts nationwide.
“Hosting RICHeS at Daresbury offers a unique platform to strengthen collaborations between heritage and scientific institutions, fostering innovation and economic growth, not only in the North West, but across the UK. Norton Priory demonstrates the power of these partnerships, showcasing the incredible impact of working together to build a stronger future for heritage."
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens has benefitted from expertise at STFC Daresbury in many ways over the years, including enhancing society’s knowledge of Paget’s bone disease by creating replicas of medieval skeletons excavated from the site.
Norton Priory senior keeper, Lynn Smith, added: “Working with colleagues at STFC Daresbury has been a fascinating journey of discovery, which has highlighted just how much benefit can be gained from the application of science to our rich heritage”.
Photo caption: Launch of a new science and humanities project RICHeS at Sci Tech Daresbury. (Left to right) Norton Priory senior keeper, Lynn Smith displays the new 3D model of its famous tall St Christopher Statue created by colleagues at Daresbury’s Science and Technology Facilities Council, Reda Simbelyte, Sean Youd and Andrew Conley. Photo credit: Trevor Palin
