We have strengthened our relationship with the Palace Museum, Beijing, through a delegation to China led by our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, which included the Museum and ourselves co-hosting the latest in our series of Global Lectures.
Historical perspectives informing strategies for the future
The two keynote speakers at the Global Lecture Series event were eminent academics affiliated with the two institutions, and both explored the relationship between studying the past and insights for the future.
The first address, entitled Archaeology and Climate Change, was delivered by our own Dr Rob Witcher, Associate Professor and Antiquity Editor in our Department of Archaeology.
Dr Witcher’s talk explored current climate change research in archaeology and how experts are increasingly aligning their work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of using lessons of the past to support future societies to mitigate and adapt to significant changes in climate.
The second address, Research on the Relationship between Humans and Water in Prehistoric Settlement Sites, was delivered by Professor Liu Jianguo from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The event was attended by a select group of experts in the field. Scholars from both Durham and the Palace Museum were joined by those from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as well as several Durham alumni in academia.
Sharing knowledge
Our research in archaeology, cultural heritage, and environmental studies is a cornerstone of our academic strength. Collaborations with institutions like the Palace Museum are vital in advancing our mutual understanding of how humanity has shaped, and continues to shape, the environment.
We signed our first Memorandum of Understanding with the Museum in 2016, and this was renewed in 2023. The partnership has inspired new research collaborations and projects, leading to Durham being the first English university archaeological team to excavate within the walls of the Palace Museum. In addition to excavations, the two institutions have worked together on exhibitions, academic exchanges and heritage conservation projects.
A flagship partnership
The Durham delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global), Professor Claire O’Malley, received a warm welcome from the Director of the Palace Museum, Dr Wang Xudong and the Senior Executive Director, Mr Lou Wei, leading a delegation from the Palace Museum, including the Head of Archaeology and other respected colleagues.
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