UCL museums and collections receive £2.4m funding boost

UCL museums and collections comprise over 200,000 objects which play a fundamental role in delivering UCL’s mission as London’s Global University to integrate our education, research innovation and enterprise for the long-term benefit of humanity.

Part of Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science (LCCOS) at UCL, our world-class collections are not only an integral part of the student learning experience, but support international research, research-led exhibitions, and wide-ranging inclusive and public programmes.

UCL museums and collections awarded HEMG funding are:

• Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy
• Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology
• UCL Art Museum
• UCL Science Collections and Pathology Museum

Dr Paul Ayris, Pro-Vice-Provost (LCCOS) said: "I’m delighted that Research England has recognised the importance of UCL’s museums in collection-based research both in the UK and internationally.

"Over the next five years, this investment will enable us to improve the way we store, document, display and interpret museum objects and advance our commitment to curating world-class collections that are open to all."

The funding boost comes shortly after the grand reopening of UCL's historic Grant Museum of Zoology, which has recently been the subject of a £300,000 improvement programme. The refurb includes new displays connecting the Museum’s collections to biodiversity and conservation research.

This year, UCL Science Collections, which includes the Pathology Museum, join the portfolio for the first time. Tannis Davidson, Head of UCL Zoology and Science Collections said: "It’s fantastic that UCL’s unique Science Collections have received this transformative funding in recognition of our contribution to research.

"This investment will help us to develop our support for the wider academic community and inspire new research across both sciences and humanities."

Links

• UCL Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science
• Higher Education Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund
• Research England

Image

• UCL Grant Museum of Zoology (Credit: James Tye)

Media contact

Tom Cramp

E: t.cramp@ucl.ac.uk