Welsh universities at the forefront of European cultural heritage collaboration

Through a series of events organised by Welsh Higher Education Brussels, researchers from each Welsh university had the opportunity to engage with European Commission officials, cultural heritage networks and organisations, research organisations, universities and regional government representations ahead of the proposed Horizon Europe Partnership in Resilient Cultural Heritage.  

As Wales prepares to engage with the new Horizon Europe Partnership, the events in Brussels highlighted the nation’s dedication to cultural heritage, climate action, and global partnerships. Discussions focused on a wide range of research areas - from linguistic heritage to coastal resilience, through environmental storytelling and sustainable community engagement. 

The events were supported by the Wales Arts and Humanities Alliance (WAHA), a collaborative initiative facilitated by the Wales Innovation Network. Through this network, Welsh researchers are already strengthening their cross-Wales collaboration in the arts and humanities, including cultural heritage, positioning Wales at the forefront of European cultural collective action in cultural heritage initiatives. 

The new Horizon Partnership is due to be approved later this year and will focus on three key themes: cultural heritage and the environment, cultural heritage and society, and the management of cultural heritage. Cultural heritage enriches our lives, playing a crucial role in enhancing Europe's social capital. It is also a significant driver of economic growth, employment, and social cohesion, with the potential to revitalise urban and rural areas and promote sustainable tourism. 

Speaking at one of the events was First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, who was joined by Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of Universities Wales, and Irene Norstedt, Deputy Director-General, People: Health and Society, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission. 

Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University and Chair of Universities Wales, said: 

“One of the most remarkable characteristics of our universities is their ability to deliver research that has a significant impact, both here in Wales and globally. Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of this success – innovation does not happen in isolation.  

“Wales has excellent research in various cultural heritage areas, from language to archaeology to de-industrialised places, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and heritage sustainability. We look forward to building on the discussions in Brussels to participate in the opportunities available in Horizon Europe including the new Partnership and welcome the opportunity to connect with university, regional, and cultural heritage partners across Europe.” 

The events in Brussels were supported by Universities Wales, the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Fund, the Wales Arts and Humanities Alliance within the Wales Innovation Network, and Welsh Higher Education Brussels.