Although “heritage” is often said to be conserved for the benefit of present and future generations, the role of the future in heritage has not often been considered in detail.

The Fifth Biennial Association of Critical Heritage Studies Conference-organised by the UCL Institute of Archaeology in association with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Heritage Priority Area-aims to address this gap, asking participants to think expansively and creatively about the future of critical heritage studies as an emergent field of focus across a range of academic disciplines. 

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the world’s leading international centres of expertise for research and teaching in the fields of Museum Studies, Conservation, Cultural Heritage Studies, and Public Archaeology. The IoA has a long history of promoting Critical Heritage Studies as a field of academic research and teaching and a long association with the ACHS.

The AHRC Heritage Priority Area team – led by Heritage Leadership Fellow Professor Rodney Harrison, and based at the UCL Institute of Archaeology – works with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),  the heritage research community, and heritage partner organisations, to draw together and stimulate the development of a wide range of research across the arts and humanities that makes an important contribution to understanding heritage. We also aim to support the interconnections between research, policy and practice, both in the UK and internationally. We take on an expansive view of heritage, and aim to encourage and stimulate work that highlights intersections between natural and cultural heritage, and key global challenges.

On the website you will find detailed information on key dates, conference theme and subthemes, the call for participation, keynote speakers, the draft conference programme, registration, news, FAQs and information for sponsors & contributors. If you have any questions about the conference, do get in contact with us at achsconference2020@gmail.com 

On behalf of the local organising committee I look forward to welcoming you to the virtual conference in August 2020.

Professor Rodney Harrison, University College London, ACHS 2020 Conference Chair