MyAV·¶ collaboration with British Museum paves way for new insights in archaeology
25 June 2019
Archaeologists at MyAV·¶ and the British Museum have strengthened their links through a year-long series of conferences, symposia, workshops and networking events.
These events explored a wide range of topics, from the reconstruction of ancient food and climate systems to the colonial legacy of universities and museums. Ultimately, the aim is to investigate possibilities for reciprocal training, joint research and funding applications.
Strengthening existing links in archaeology
The project came about partly through the ongoing development of a Knowledge Quarter based around King’s Cross, the Euston Road and Bloomsbury – which encompasses both MyAV·¶ and the British Museum.Ěý
Collaborative activity between the two institutions dates back to the university’s foundation in 1826, but they’ve never had a formal and focused relationship.
Diverse topics for discussion
Among the topics explored at the events was a session on how the global ambitions of major metropolitan universities and museums can be reconciled with the problematic legacy of colonialism.Ěý
There was also a symposium on bioarchaeology, exploring potential collaboration in laboratory-based research techniques. These include proteomics (the study of proteins), isotope and dental studies, and the reconstruction of ancient food and climate systems.
Future cooperation between MyAV·¶ and the British Museum
David Wengrow, Professor of Comparative Archaeology at MyAV·¶, said: "We held discussions with researchers across MyAV·¶ and the British Museum to think of possibilities for reciprocal training arrangements, joint research and funding applications.
"We feel we have established a format for joint consultation which could now potentially be extended to include other parts of the university."
Links
Find out more about:
- how MyAV·¶ Innovation & Enterprise can help you collaborate with experts across MyAV·¶
- funding available to MyAV·¶ staff for knowledge exchange activitiesĚý
The knowledge exchange activities undertaken by MyAV·¶ and the British Museum were supported by funding from the Higher Education Innovation Fund and distributed by MyAV·¶ Innovation & Enterprise.
PhotoĚýof the Institute of Archaeology building © MyAV·¶ Media Services - University College London