Connected microscopy and digital technology for enhanced scientific archaeology

The UCL Institute of Archaeology requires investment in order to support its research and teaching in scientific archaeology through the digitisation and imaging of archaeological materials. In particular, there is a pressing need for investment in equipment to support research into, and the curation of, the Institute's collections of skeletal remains.

Through this award, we will procure a range of complimentary equipment that enables the in-depth microscopic analysis and digitization of archaeological remains.

An optical light microscope uses visible light and lenses to magnify the image of a small sample. For example, light microscopes are used by Bioarchaeologists to observe the number and size of bone cells (osteons) within a thin section. In contrast, an SEM uses high-powered electrons to scan an object's surface to produce a highly magnified image, whilst also identifying the sample's chemical composition.

When used together in a correlative fashion, light microscopy and SEM provide a range of applications to the study of different archaeological materials. The proposed equipment will therefore enhance the microscopy capabilities on offer at the IoA, and will support a range of applications in research and teaching. Moreover, it will allow academics to take their research in new directions thereby maintaining our position as a research leader in scientific archaeology.

Our department works closely with museums, archaeological consultancies, and heritage organisations within and beyond London. A key priority for many heritage organisations is the preservation of archaeological specimens, and therefore the analysis of collections through non-destructive methods are vitally important. This equipment will therefore provide new avenues for research and teaching in Archaeology at UCL, whilst also facilitating the dissemination of scientific research, and enabling co-production through the technology's digital capabilities.