Science and heritage

by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Lords: Science and Technology Committee

2007 · The Stationery Office

This report is an update on developments since the Committee reported in November 2006 (HLP 256, 9th report session 2005-06, ISBN 9780104009550) and the Government published its response (Cm. 7031, ISBN 9780101703123) in January 2007. The Committee had recommended an organisational framework whereby the hitherto fragmented heritage sector could come together with university-based scientists and funding bodies to develop strategic priorities for heritage science and collaborative projects and research proposals. The response at a post-publication seminar attended by representatives from the heritage and science communities was overwhelmingly positive. The Committee welcomes the progress made in implementing its recommendations, but notes that the progress has only come from the heritage sector and research community: the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has failed to grasp the significance of the Committee's recommendations. The Committee urges the new set of ministers at the Department to revisit the original report, respond positively and provide moral leadership to the sector.