Researchers are conducting scientific analyses of artefacts in our collections of ceramics, Spartan lead figurines and musical instruments. These scientific analyses conducted in collaboration with colleagues at Reading and elsewhere, e.g. Imperial College, Oxford University and University of Bonn, as well as the British Museum, provide insights into the manufacture and use of these artefacts and provide data sets that encourage further studies into these classes of artefacts both at the Ure and elsewhere.