Department of Scientific Research, British Museum
ActiveDescription
The Department of Scientific Research is the British Museum's scientific research department, housing an extensive suite of on-site laboratories at the Museum's World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre. Its team of specialist scientists works with colleagues across the Museum and with external partners to research and investigate the collection, to communicate the results of that research, and to support the care of the collection. It undertakes experimental and analytical research across organic materials, inorganic materials and biological remains, using techniques including microscopy (optical, digital, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), imaging (2D and 3D multi-band imaging, X-radiography and computed tomography), and analytical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (FTIR, Raman, XRF, XRD, GC-MS, LC-MS and pyrolysis-GC-MS), and it houses a Multiscale X-ray Imaging Centre.
The department's research addresses the composition, construction and stability of objects and wider questions of human behaviour, including resource exploitation, recycling, human health, sensory experience and environmental change. Museum science at the British Museum dates to a laboratory established in 1919 to 1920, with the Scientific Research department taking its present form from 1962. The department is a core data-providing partner within the Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS).
Currently active
Yes
Offers funding
No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.
Founding year
1919
Contact details
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
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Categorisation
Type
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Parent infrastructure(s)
The British Museum actively promotes academic research of the highest quality by its own staff, and supports the research of others. This research is intended to advance the care, display and public u… read more about British Museum
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
London
WC1B 3DG
United Kingdom
Partner Infrastructures
Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS)
The Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) provides core digital research services as part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme, the UK's national rese… read more about Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS)
York
Additional Partnerships
Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City, Nigeria
Last modified:
2026-07-12 21:30:40