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NATIONAL
MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL
16 February 201611/04/2007
Application for the sampling and analysis of Human
Remains (Destructive/ Non-Destructive analysis)
Respect for diversity of belief and respect for the value of science.
DCMS, 2005, Guidance for the Care of Human
Remains in Museums
Introduction:
Osteoarchaeology and related disciplines make important contributions to the
studies of past lifeways, medicine and associated scientific fields, and public
knowledge. They also raise ethical issues regarding the treatment of human remains.
Due to the sensitivity of such material, requests for invasive and non-invasive
analyses of human remains in National Museums Liverpool collections will undergo a
rigorous review. The main criteria are:
1. That the research plan is well thought through and underpinned by a
sound methodology.
2. That there is a realistic prospect of achieving useful results.
3. If invasive, that it is clear why non-invasive techniques cannot be used to
achieve similar results.
4. That the project will further current knowledge, and that the benefits will
outweigh any irreversible damage sustained by the sampled material.
Careful consideration will be given to the impact of the analysis/sampling on the
remains in question, and how this will affect their future stability, display, educational
and research potential.
Procedure:
 Applications will be circulated to the relevant Curatorial and Conservation
Divisions for comment.
 Then forwarded to the Keeper and a representative of the NML’s Human
Remains Group, to formally agree a decision.
 If the applicant requires a decision by a specific deadline (e.g., to include
sampling expenses in a grant application), the form should be submitted a
minimum of eight weeks in advance to allow for processing.
 If the museum needs to seek external advice, this is likely to increase the
review time beyond eight weeks.
Guidelines:
1. This form must be completed and approved before any sampling or analysis is
undertaken.
2. In accordance with the guidelines of the Museums Association Code of Ethics
(2002), researchers must, wherever feasible and relevant, acquire consent from
authorised representatives of genealogical and culturally-affiliated individuals or
groups. For burials of named individuals, permission must be sought from surviving
family members, if known. For burials from known cultural groups, permissions must
be sought from representatives of source communities. Such permissions are also
required for DNA sampling, so that sequences can be deposited in the Genbank. The
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researcher is advised to contact the Curatorial Department to discuss this issue well
in advance of the sampling application.
3. The remains must be treated with due respect at all times. According to some
source communities, photographs of the remains should also be handled with
respect.
4. Human remains considered particularly sensitive, or subject to a pending claim for
return, will not normally be made available for research.
5. The smallest possible sample should be taken. Invasive sampling must never lead
to the total loss of any object: some part must be retained for future reference.
6. NML Curatorial and Conservation Departments must approve the suitability of
each requested element for sampling and the specific sampling locations on each
element.
7. If the application is approved, the applicant must provide NML with a complete
recording of each element sampled, including measurements and ‘before’ and ‘after’
photographs. In some cases it may be necessary to make a cast before sampling
and the researcher is expected to cover any expenses. NML may also request that
sampling sites be in-filled at the researcher’s expense.
8. Destructive sampling will only be undertaken at the highest standard of expertise
and care. NML will generally carry out, or directly supervise, any invasive sampling
rather than allowing researchers to do such work themselves. However, should the
relevant member of staff be unavailable for such work, NML will request confirmation
(e.g., by CV) that the person undertaking the sampling is suitably qualified and
experienced, or that the researcher has funding in place to support sample taking by
qualified and experienced personnel approved by the NML Curatorial and
Conservation Departments.
_____________________________________________________
Collection:
______________________________________________________________
Curator:
______________________________________________________________
Date form completed:
Date application approved:
Date sample(s) taken:
Date results/report received:
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PART A:
1. Applicant details
Name:
Academic position:
Institutional Affiliation:
Address and contact details:
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Name of supervisor/head of department/sponsoring institution*:
Grant supporting body:
Name and address of analyst/technician carrying out the analysis, and their
institutional affiliation (if different from above):
* if the researcher is a student, a letter of introduction and support from the
candidate’s supervisor must be included with the submitted form.
2. Project Information
2.1 Project title:
2.2 Brief description (method and aims of analysis). Please attach a formal
and detailed research proposal and curriculum vitae of the principle
investigators:
2.3 How will NML collections contribute to research aims?
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2.4 Supportive information/references:
3. Items requested for sample/analysis and techniques:
3.1 Samples requested (continue overleaf if necessary):
Accession number Item
Material
Provenance
Decimation of Information
3.2 Is the test destructive to the remains or does it alter them in anyway?
3.3 Is there a non-destructive test that can produce the same results? If yes,
explain the need for a destructive test.
3.4 Size of sample(s) required (give justification). Please describe in familiar
terms (eg., size of a pea, a grain of rice, a grain of sand, etc.) and – provide
drawing of sample location on skeletal element (append another page if
necessary):
3.5 Weight of sample(s) required (mg):
3.6 How many samples are required from each element?
3.7 Can the samples be used again (either for a re-run or for other purposes?)
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3. Items requested for sample/analysis and techniques cont.
3.8 Method of sampling/analysis:
x-ray
manual (e.g., cutting)
chemical
scalpel scrape
other_________________
give details:
3.9 Method of storing sample(s) after analysis:
3.10 Accuracy and precision of analytical techniques:
3.11 Will the sampling be done at NML or must it be done somewhere else? If
somewhere else, where? Why?
3.12 If researcher is to undertake sampling, please supply supportive
documentation listing qualifications/experience in taking samples*:
4. Dissemination of Information:
Indicate where and when results will be published:
If permission for sampling is granted, I agree to undertake the following:
1/ to supply photographs or casts of each sample prior to destructive sampling
(to be agreed in advance as appropriate with curator)
2/ to provide a copy of the results to the museum as soon as they become
available prior to publication
3/ to return to the museum any remaining samples or mounted material within
one year (longer periods must be agreed in writing in advance with the
curator)
4/ to provide a copy of analytical data and the relevant publications pertaining
to the samples taken
5/ to pay any agreed costs incurred
Signed:
Date:
______________________________________________________________
Countersigned (Supervisor)*:
Date:
______________________________________________________________
* in the case of a student the form must be countersigned by the University’s Head of
Department who must ensure that the applicant fulfils his/her agreed obligations.
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PART B:
1. Curator’s comments
Date:
Signature:
______________________
2. Conservation’s comments
Conservator:
Date:
Signature: ______________________
_____________________
Conservation Science:
Section:
Signature: ______________________
_____________________
3. Keeper’s comments
Section:
Date:
Date:
APPROVED ________________________
NOT APPROVED _________
Comments:
Signature:
______________________
4. If artefact/materials have to be loaned for sampling
a/ have loan forms been completed? Please attach photocopies.
b/ how will artefact/material be transferred?
c/ dates:
start of loan:
return of loan:
5. Date when copies of this form filed in:
1/ History file/object record (curatorial):
2/ Conservation object record:
3/ Conservation Science:
Information must be input into appropriate database by relevant member
of staff.