Cultural Heritage Research Unit

About Us

A vital question for the present and future is: how do we make the best use of that greater resource which is the past? At the Research Institute for Cultural Heritage, we do not only study and teach about cultural tourism and the management of various forms of heritage: movable heritage (collections and museums), local history, built heritage and cultural environments. We are also directly and practically involved as advisers and consultants to many museums, historic sites, government and community groups.

Mission Statement

The main aims of the Institute are, through rigorous interdisciplinary research:

• to integrate and advance knowledge and practice in the field of Cultural Heritage;
  
• to clarify the systems and values underlying the concept of Cultural Heritage; and
  
• to investigate the processes involved in the social production of heritage value.

Objectives

• The aims outlined in the Mission Statement will be realised by:
  
• achieving sufficient eminence in the field of Cultural Heritage to attract national-level research and infrastructure funding to the University;
  
• directing the outcomes of applied research and consultancy to the satisfaction of material needs;
  
• enhancing community awareness of Cultural Heritage;
  
• providing high-quality specialised education and training for those working in the Cultural Heritage field; and
  
• facilitating collaborative interdisciplinary research.