Icon, the Institute of Conservation, has launched the first UK-wide Heritage and Conservation Science Workforce Survey on behalf of UK Research and Innovation’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS).
The survey marks a significant step forward in building a comprehensive picture of the people, skills and organisations that make up the UK’s heritage and conservation science community. By gathering evidence from across the sector, the project aims to inform future workforce planning, training provision and investment.
Heritage and conservation science plays a vital role in understanding, preserving and managing the UK’s heritage - spanning work on objects, collections, landscapes and the built environment.
Why this survey matters
Despite its importance, there has not previously been a single, UK-wide dataset capturing the size, shape and needs of this multidisciplinary workforce. This survey will:
- Provide a clearer understanding of the workforce’s composition, roles and career pathways
- Identify current and emerging skills needs
- Explore access to specialist equipment and infrastructure
- Highlight challenges facing employers and practitioners
- Support strategic investment and policy development across the sector
The findings will help ensure that the UK’s heritage science capacity is resilient, future-ready and able to respond to evolving challenges.
Who should take part
Icon is encouraging responses from across the sector, including:
- Individuals engaged in heritage and/or conservation science activity
- Employers of heritage science professionals
- Organisations that commission heritage or conservation science work
If you use science or technology to understand, preserve, manage or engage with heritage, your input is vital.
The survey covers all areas of practice - from archaeological science and conservation science to built historic environment science - as well as skills, training, career pathways and workforce conditions.
About the survey
Time to complete: approximately 20 minutes
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Have your say
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of heritage science in the UK. By taking part, you will help build the evidence base needed to support the workforce, strengthen skills development and guide future investment.