Measuring the value of heritage science

Our January 2026 Member Meeting will use a workshop format to explore the challenge of measuring the value of heritage science. Anybody from a member organisation is welcome but please register by 14th January 2026.

Date: 22nd January 2026

Time: Arrivals from 10.00 for 10.30 start. End 15.30. Followed by AGM 15.45-16.45.

Venue: Dana Research Centre and Library (Science Museum), 165 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5HD, and online via Zoom (register for link)

Briefing note: Measuring the value of heritage science (pdf)

 

What 'problem' are we trying to solve?

NHSF connects organisations from across different communities of practice who share a vision of using science and technology to enhance the understanding, management and enjoyment of heritage for the benefit of society.

Members, (and the wider heritage science community) are different types of organisations with different interests, goals, challenges and audiences. As a community, we lack:  

  • a clear narrative on the value of heritage science, and  
  • evidence we can use to demonstrate value collectively. 

Challenge: There are multiple stakeholders for evidence of the value of heritage science research, often with complex and time-consuming data collection requirements. The collective value of the data is potentially limited by differences in what is collected, how it is collected, who it is collected for and appetite for sharing data. How can we move from a reactive to proactive approach to presenting a compelling, evidence-based, narrative on the value of heritage science? 

This workshop will: 

  • Introduce the goals of the workshop in the context of the public value strand of the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK (Prof Chris Gaffney, NHSF Chair)
  • Re-cap previous work on societal challenges and methods of demonstrating the impact of heritage science (background briefing paper to be provided) (Caroline Peach)
  • Provide information on the ACH (Arts Culture Heritage) Taxonomies Project that forms part of the Culture and Heritage Capital programme (Adala Leeson, Historic England)
  • Present case studies on the use of REF (Research Excellence Framework) (Prof Chris Gaffney) and social value assessment methods (Dr Natalie Brown, The National Archives). 
  • Use facilitated workshop and discussion sessions to explore how heritage science delivers societal value, supporting arguments and how this can be evidenced. (External facilitator, Anthony Atkins)

Desired outcomes: 

  • Achieve a clearer, shared understanding among NHSF members of the societal problems their research addresses and how to articulate these effectively.  
  • Enable participants to learn from each other’s approaches and examples, especially regarding impact reporting and argumentation.  
  • Develop a conceptual framework that helps members build strong arguments about their research impact, rather than focusing solely on data collection.  
  • Provide practical support to members in responding to diverse funder and stakeholder demands, making the reporting process more meaningful and less burdensome.  
  • Lay the groundwork for potential future steps or consensus on common approaches, without forcing premature commitments or additional demands on members. 

To register please contact your NHSF member organisation contact, or email administrator@heritagescienceforum.org.uk by 14th January 2026.

 

The workshop will be followed by the NHSF AGM, 15.45-16.45.