IN-PERSON: Prague – Section A
Abstract
Research has long been essential to the work of both universities and heritage organisations, yet in the UK, the formalisation of research partnerships between the two sectors is a relatively recent development. An increasing emphasis on the importance of public engagement and knowledge exchange within universities and the attainment of Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status by numerous UK heritage organisations means that discussions around research-informed heritage interpretation are now livelier than ever. Yet what do “good” research collaborations between academia and heritage look like, what are their aims, and how are they achieved? This panel brings together speakers from universities and heritage organisations from across the UK to reflect upon the purpose and value of research-led partnerships between the two sectors. Drawing on their wealth of knowledge of working in the collaboration space, each speaker will offer a short reflection on their unique experience(s) of partnership working before the session is opened up to a wider conversation between the audience and participants. Themes for consideration include key research priorities for universities, researchers and heritage partners; the ways in which research questions are framed (and reframed) through collaboration; the challenges and benefits to both parties; the value of local and regional approaches to partnership working; the relevance of UK themes and priorities to a wider European context; and directions for future collaborative research across institutional and geographical borders.
Dr Rachel Delman is the Heritage Partnerships Coordinator in the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford, where she is responsible for developing and sustaining links between members of the university and external heritage organisations. Rachel is also a medieval historian, and has published widely on late medieval women and the built environment. Prior to returning to Oxford in 2022—where she completed her doctorate in 2017 – Rachel held research fellowships at the universities of Edinburgh and York. She has also acted as a historical consultant for several UK heritage organisations.
Alice Purkiss is Head of Heritage Partnerships at Oxford University, responsible for leading a varied programme of research, training and events to promote knowledge exchange and public engagement between academic researchers, heritage organisations and their visitors, including with the National Trust.
Dr Marianne Wilson is the Research Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, where she is currently responsible for fostering and supporting the organisation’s research culture, both in-house and through external partnerships. Marianne has wide-ranging experience of research, professional services, and heritage and archives.
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday 28th June, 2023