Connecting heritage professionals and materials scientists to demystify advanced techniques used in archaeological science.

Heritage Science for Museum Professionals ConferenceThursday 10th September 2026 | University of Liverpool

Location: Budden Lecture Theatre and Reilly Room, Liverpool School of Architecture

1 Bedford Street North

Liverpool

L69 7ZN

(opposite the University Sports Hall)

Scientific investigations can unlock new stories within museum collections and reveal insights into past technologies, trade networks, material reuse, and cultural exchange. Targeted scientific analyses, guided by clear research questions, can help museums better understand and communicate the significance of their collections while strengthening connections between communities and cultural heritage.

However, barriers to accessing scientific analysis, including uncertainty about available techniques and how to commission them effectively, can limit opportunities for collaboration.

Funded by the National Museums Liverpool Collaboration Fund and led by Dr Nicola George (Professor Elizabeth Slater Archaeological Research Laboratories, University of Liverpool), this initiative aims to improve access to analytical science within museum practice. The conference is organised by Charlotte Clarke (PhD Candidate in Archaeology).

The conference brings together museum professionals from National Museums Liverpool, including Head of Conservation Dr Siobhan Watts and Lead Conservator Steve Newman, alongside technical specialists and academic researchers from the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities, the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, and the Garstang Museum.

This practical, one-day conference is designed to build confidence in using and commissioning scientific methods within heritage contexts.

Conference Programme

Academic experts, researchers, instrument specialists and museum professionals will introduce a range of analytical techniques used in heritage and archaeological research, incorporating case studies to demonstrate their application.

Techniques covered include:

Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF)

Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)

Digital microscopy

Micro X-ray CT

X-radiography

Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)

ICP-MS

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Raman spectroscopy

FTIR spectroscopy

Laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS)

Sessions will focus on:

The types of materials each technique is suited to

The research questions these methods can address

What different analytical techniques can reveal about museum collections

Practical considerations when planning scientific analysis

Ethical and sampling considerations when working with museum collections

How museums and researchers can develop effective collaborative projects

Experts from the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, National Museums Liverpool, the Garstang Museum and University research facilities will also discuss collaborative approaches to heritage science.

Lunch, Posters and Demonstrations

Over lunch in the Reilly Room, next door to the Budden Lecture Theatre, attendees will have the opportunity to meet technical specialists and academic leads from across the University of Liverpool while exploring posters, demonstrations and the analytical facilities available.

Materials Innovation Factory Tour

Participants will also have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), with opportunities to:

See analytical instruments in operation

Explore specialist laboratory spaces

Speak directly with technical specialists and facility staff

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to:

Museum professionals

Conservators and curators

Archaeological and heritage organisations

Early-career researchers and students

Academic staff interested in heritage science techniques

Project Goals

The initiative aims to:

Improve knowledge of and access to analytical facilities

Encourage collaborative research and joint funding opportunities

Support professional development

Strengthen networks between museums and research institutions

Build confidence in selecting and commissioning appropriate analytical techniques

Further Information

For further information, please contact ACElaboratories@liverpool.ac.uk or Dr Nicola George – ngeorge@liverpool.ac.uk.

Tickets cover attendance at the in-person sessions only. To receive a link to join the event virtually, please email ACElaboratories@liverpool.ac.uk.

The event is completely free to attend, but tickets are strictly limited. If you secure a ticket and later find that you cannot attend, we kindly ask that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can release your place to someone else.

Catering will be provided throughout the day, and dietary requirements can be provided during registration.

Accessibility and inclusion are important to us. Full details of the venue's accessibility arrangements will be

Description supplied by the event organiser.