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Heritage

Working Group

Chair: Bernadette Biedermann

Bernadette Biedermann (Mag. Dr. phil.) studied museology and art history at the University of Graz. She currently works as museologist, curator and researcher at the University Museums of the University of Graz. She is Deputy Head of University Museums of the University of Graz. Her research focuses are: theoretical museology, object-based research, museum documentation, museum communication and forms of museum presentation; she is co-editor of the journal “Curiositas”.

 

Vice-Chair: Jeremy Upton

Jeremy Upton is the Director of Library and University Collections at the University of Edinburgh, a post he took up in 2015.  His remit covers library and museum collections including the world renowned musical instrument collection held at St Cecilia’s Hall.  Jeremy started his professional library career as a music librarian before moving in to general University Library Management. Prior to working in Edinburgh, he was Deputy Director of the library at the University of St Andrews.

Working Group Focus

The Coimbra Group Heritage Working Group (HER WG) provides a space for all people working with cultural heritage, professional staff and researchers, to come together, to share ideas and to understand what the role of cultural heritage is, and what opportunities are provided by cultural heritage in universities. We have developed our work plan so that it focusses on fostering collaboration and asks questions about the issues facing cultural heritage practitioners in universities.

Our work plan is divided into six main areas:

  • Cultural heritage and the University.
  • Built heritage of Universities.
  • Conservation.
  • Shared Collections.
  • Joint projects and grant opportunities.
  • Promotion, networking and outreach.

We recognise that the HER WG operates in a heritage space which is very large, complex and at times confusing. We are increasingly putting our efforts into understanding what we can contribute to the European cultural heritage space, where it makes sense for us to take a lead and where it makes more sense for us to partner with others. The creation of the European University Alliances has provided us with opportunities to collaborate with a new set of networks with a strong interest in culture.has provided us with opportunities to collaborate with a new set of networks with a strong interest in culture.

Priorities for 2025-2026

  • International conferences and workshops (setting up Erasmus+ Winter/Summer Schools on a regular basis, international seminar at University of Uppsala on teaching with objects).
  • Promotion, networking and outreach (dissemination project on problematic heritage based on HER WG book and approved Horizon Europe project to be scheduled in Brussels; establishment of a conservators’ network).
  • Joint projects and grant opportunities (planned Horizon Europe application by the University of Krakow).
  • Special focus on problematic heritage (including intangible cultural heritage).
  • Publications of international seminars (in newly founded journal “MUSEA. Journal for museology, museum practice and audience”).

Recent highlights since June 2024

  • Summer School, University of Padua, September 2024 (Giuliana Tomasella) and Winter School, University of Groningen, December 2024 (Beate Peter).
  • Contribution to the Coimbra Group Durham Declaration adopted in March 2025.
  • International Seminars and workshops:
    • on Sustainability: addressing academic heritage, at the Jagiellonian University of Krakow, November 2024, organised by Joanna Slaga;
    • on Conservation: one-day professional practice workshop on paper conservation ethics, processes and materials analysis, June 2024, University of Coimbra & University of Edinburgh, organised by Ruth Honeybone.
  • Book publication by Peter Larsen (University of Geneva) and Marketa Krizova (Charles University): “European University Legacies – Problematic Heritage and Contemporary Practice ” (link) published at Edinburgh University Press with support from CG WGs funding scheme.
  • Approval of a Horizon Europe funded project under the title: COLUMN (“Colonial Legacies of Universities: Materialities and New Collaborations”, link). Project lead: University of Utrecht (Gertjan Plets).

Ongoing/forthcoming activities 2025-2026

  • Kick-off of Horizon Europe project: COLUMN (“Colonial Legacies of Universities: Materialities and New Collaborations”). Project lead: University of Utrecht (Gertjan Plets).
  • Planning of HER WG Summer and Winter Schools on regular basis.
  • Planning of HER WG international seminar series: Uppsala University in Autumn 2025 (Mikael Ahlund).
  • Developing a platform for conservators (Ruth Honeybone, University of Edinburgh).
  • Presenting shared collections online.
  • Publication of international seminar series using “MUSEA. Journal for museology, museum practice and audience” (University of Graz) as a publication platform

Contact person at the CG Office: Emmanuelle Gardan (gardan@coimbra-group.eu)