Applied Heritage Science Services
Applied Heritage Science Services seeks to meet the specialist research needs of Swedish heritage practitioners through consultation, technical scientific analysis, and technical imaging of heritage assets. The company bridges the gap between advanced developmental research carried out within Swedish research facilities, and the more pragmatic, day-to-day research needs of the heritage sector.
The service employs a range of analytical techniques to characterise the materials from which heritage objects are made, investigate and document methods of production and artistic process, identify mechanisms of deterioration, and digitise museum and archive collection items.
Applied Heritage Science Services is a newly established company, and was founded in 2021 by Dr. Peter Mc Elhinney, a heritage scientist and conservator. Prior to completing a PhD in heritage science at the University of Bradford in 2019, Peter worked as a conservator and heritage researcher in industry leading museums in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Adding new value to existing heritage assets
His prior experience in the museum and academic sectors has demonstrated that scientific research supports care, interpretation, and communication of heritage collections, adding new value to existing heritage assets, and enriching the end-user experience.
Working with the Cultural Heritage Incubator has delivered some important advantages for the development of Applied Heritage Science Services. Peter has accessed valuable training in performing client needs analysis and complex sales, and is benefiting from ongoing support regarding the development of the business website.
Crucially, as part of the incubator programme, Peter has gained access to strategic and technical support from the team at the Swedish Heritage Laboratory in Visby; the principal state facility for heritage science research in Sweden.
