Museums, Heritage and Zoology: Tannis Davidson’s Career After the MSc

How did the programme influence your career path? 

During the MSc, one of the practical sessions was at UCL’s Grant Museum of Zoology. It focused on naming conventions in zoology and the value of zoological specimens. It made an impression! A couple of months later, a part-time job came up at the museum. I applied and was successful. Now eighteen years and many different roles at the museum later,  I am still at the Grant Museum as the Head of Zoology and Science Collections. So in a very real way, the MSc led directly to my career. Perhaps of even greater importance, this programme profoundly influenced how I think about heritage, museums and how ‘value’ can be recognised and understood.

Is there a particular site, tradition, or story in heritage that inspires your commitment to sustainability? 

As a kid, I was fascinated by the story of the Abu Simbel and Philae temples in Egypt. When the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s, these ancient temples were carefully dismantled and relocated to protect them from flooding. It was an epic feat of engineering led by UNESCO, and I still find it awe-inspiring. The story made me wonder why some monuments are saved while others are not. It sparked my interest in the complexities of heritage management and the need for cooperation to achieve what can sometimes feel impossible.

Image: Abu Simbel temple - The Great Temple of Ramesses II [Dmitrii Zhodzishskii]

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the field of sustainable heritage? 

There are many. Our world and its heritage, both built and natural, are increasingly under pressure from population growth, climate change, competition for resources and biodiversity loss. However, these challenges also bring opportunities. They push us to think more holistically and to collaborate across fields such as heritage management, engineering, architecture, and environmental and ecological science in order to find sustainable solutions.

How do you see the field evolving over the next 10-20 years? 

I see sustainable heritage evolving to be more central to how we plan and manage places, from local projects to national policy. It’s important that decision-makers understand what sustainable heritage is and how it can bring long-term social, economic and environmental benefits. The practical side of the work will need to move quickly, especially in response to urgent challenges like climate change and environmental damage, which are already affecting heritage around the world.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering studying sustainable heritage at ISH? 

Besides offering the sage advice to just do it, I would say the programme offers the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic field, so don’t be shy about expressing your ideas! ISH is a creative melting pot bringing together diverse thoughts and experiences. If you want to actively engage in a programme with huge positive impact, ISH is for you!

Thank you so much to Tannis for sharing her story. To discover the inspiration behind her career, explore the fascinating Grant Museum of Zoology on UCL’s website.