*Press Release*
Cultural and academic institutions welcome the creation of the National Heritage Science Forum
The setting up the National Heritage Science Forum has been welcomed by cultural and academic institutions across the UK. This membership organisation will enable institutions to:
• collaborate and develop partnerships in heritage science initiatives
• develop a unifying voice to respond to heritage science issues
• develop and link research tools and resources
• share skills and equipment
• promote and demonstrate the public benefit of heritage science
Commenting on the appointment of Dr Rowena Banerjea as the Forum co-ordinator, Professor May Cassar Programme Director for Science and Heritage, said: ‘This is a welcome and timely appointment. The Forum, supported by Dr Banerjea will provide the platform needed to address the research and professional needs of institutions engaged in heritage science.’
Background
In 2005-2006, the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee Inquiry on Science and Heritage highlighted:
1. the lack of available new talent to replace retiring conservation scientists;
2. the fragmentary nature of the sector, and
3. the failure of the community to identify national priorities and to develop vision.
In response, the heritage sector published a heritage science strategy (http://nhss.english-heritage.org.uk/) in March 2010 which recommended the setting up of a National Heritage Science Forum to address the issues raised by the Inquiry and to implement the strategy objectives.
Dr. Rowena Banerjea has a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Reading. For further details about the National Heritage Science Forum please contact Dr. Banerjea by email at [log in to unmask] or by telephoning 020 3108 9006.
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