NHSF Blog: Introducing the HSDS Small Grants Programme
In this month’s blog post, Annie Lane introduces the Heritage Science Data Service Small Grants Programme, including success stories from NHSF members in Round 1 and a guide to getting involved in Round 2.
If you’ve been following us on social media, you may have seen some buzz over the latest funding stream to open up in 2026: the HSDS Small Grants Programme Round 2. The Heritage Science Data Service provides core digital research services as part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS). It is a hub for researchers to find and access the resources they need, including datasets, software, and equipment. For example, the HSDS Catalogue of Services is a directory of heritage science facilities, which you can filter by tools and techniques.
In March 2026, Round 1 of the Small Grants Programme awarded over £550,000 to 27 projects across different areas of UK heritage science research, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council via RICHeS. Many of our member organisations were among the successful applicants. This month, we’re highlighting two of these projects and how they contribute to the future of UK heritage science.