University Strategy to boost research value of Collections

Thursday, 05 October 2017

The University’s Collections are acknowledged to be an outstanding resource for public engagement, teaching and research. Following a recent review and recommendations, the University Executive Board has approved dynamic proposals to enhance the research value of the University Archives, Collections and Museums.

A sum of £228,000 has been awarded by the University Strategic Fund to help drive the work of the new Collections Strategy Committee.

For the next two years, the Heritage & Creativity Institute for Collections (HCIC) will support the development of research frameworks for the collections. A series of fixed-term posts will be created to support the development of Research Frameworks and funding bids for the University’s Collections, including Special Collections, Typography and Ephemera Collections, the Cole Collection and the Ure Museum.

The HCIC will also facilitate connections across the University’s research themes, fund action labs, hosting ‘Academic Residencies’, and supporting the establishment of a Collections Community of Practice to facilitate grant applications, partnerships and public engagement.

The University curates an exceptional range of collections, from Samuel Beckett and publishing history through to the Museum of English Rural Life. The expertise, skills and dedication of the staff involved is extensive and research using the Collections has taken place across the Institution for a number of years, engaging curators, archivists and academic researchers. This new funding recognises the value of these collections to the University and seeks to catalyse their research potential.