The Heritage Samples Registry is an emerging international initiative to support the persistent identification, discovery, and sharing of information about material samples involved in the scientific study of our shared heritage. These samples, including paint cross-sections, material fragments, archaeological specimens, reference standards, comparative specimens, and other physical material, are valuable research assets that underpin conservation science, archaeometry, and broader scientific research worldwide.
The Registry aims to make the existence of these samples findable, citable, and consistently documented, enabling researchers and institutions to connect local sample records with global research outputs.
For enquiries or expressions of interest, please contact info@heritagesamples.org
Development status
The Registry is under active development and pilot testing with partner institutions. Current work focuses on validating the metadata model, assigning initial IGSNs for test datasets, and refining workflows for wider use. Broader participation will be introduced in stages as the service matures.