University of Liverpool’s New Heritage Institute to Tackle Global Challenges and Advance Cultural Research

University of Liverpool’s New Heritage Institute to Tackle Global Challenges and Advance Cultural Research

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has launched a new Heritage Institute aimed at enhancing its role as a leading global research institution in heritage studies. The institute will bring together researchers from multiple disciplines to address key heritage issues such as post-conflict recovery, marginalized communities, and heritage policies. The launch event featured a keynote from Lynn Meskell, discussing heritage’s role in international relations. With over £10 million in funding, the institute aims to foster collaboration with local, national, and international partners and develop professional training programs for heritage experts.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 26-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool officially launched its Heritage Institute on Wednesday, 18 September, bringing together heritage studies experts for presentations and panel discussions. The new institute aims to unite researchers from a range of disciplines, fostering collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance the University’s standing in heritage research, management, and interpretation.

The event was opened by Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact, who emphasized the institute’s role in strengthening the University’s international reputation as a leading research and postgraduate training institution in the field of heritage. He highlighted the strategic importance of heritage research within the University’s broader research framework. Professor Fiona Beveridge, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, further discussed the evolution of heritage studies within the faculty, culminating in the formal establishment of the institute.

One of the event’s highlights was a keynote address by Lynn Meskell, Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor in Anthropology and Historic Preservation, titled “Securing Antiquity: Weaponizing Heritage from UNESCO to NATO.” Her thought-provoking lecture addressed critical issues that the Heritage Institute will engage with.

The Heritage Institute will focus on four main research pillars:

1. Difficult Heritage – Examining heritage’s role in post-conflict recovery and transitional justice.
2. Heritage on the Fringes – Investigating how heritage can act as a catalyst for marginalized communities.
3. Heritage Futures – Leveraging heritage, design, and innovation for shaping sustainable futures.
4. Heritage Policies and Processes – Addressing emerging ethical and legal issues in heritage protection.

With over £10 million in research funding already secured, the institute has set ambitious goals for impact. Future plans include developing CPD programs for heritage professionals and enhancing existing postgraduate offerings in heritage studies.

Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Director of the Heritage Institute, noted the global challenges of conflict, climate change, and migration, warning that much of the world’s heritage knowledge is at risk. He expressed the institute’s commitment to collaborating with communities and stakeholders to promote resilience and create positive societal, cultural, and economic impacts through heritage research and education.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool