Koto Nakajima, a first-year undergraduate student in the UCL Department of History, and James Fielding, a first-year undergraduate student in the UCL Institute of Archaeology, were both selected this year to become Laidlaw Scholars.
The Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme provides funding for undergraduate students throughout their degree programme to develop leadership skills through training and practical work.
The Programme, which is generously funded by the Laidlaw Foundation, runs at many leading universities across the globe, creating a large network of past and present scholars. Gaining a place on the Laidlaw Programme is widely regarded as an indicator of exceptional academic and leadership promise.
The projects
The Kensington Enrichment Project (KEP)
Laidlaw Scholar: Koto Nakajima
Supervisor: Professor Theano Moussouri
The Social Science Research in Heritage Sites Fellowship supports research within the Kensington Enrichment Project (KEP), a partnership between local schools and Kensington Palace that explores how sustained engagement with heritage can enhance young people’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of community. Delivered by the Schools Team at Kensington Palace, KEP is underpinned by collaborative research led by Professor Theano Moussouri.
On being awarded the Scholarship to work on KEP, Koto said: “I feel honoured and delighted to have this opportunity to engage in this research project! Ever since reading the project description, I knew this project was the one, and I am very excited to work with Professor Theano Moussouri.”
Professor Theono said: “I am very grateful to the UCL Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme for its generous financial support and for its strong commitment to developing students’ research skills and leadership potential. The programme will provide invaluable support for Koto Nakajima’s research training, and I am delighted to have the chance to work with him on the Kensington Enrichment Project. I very much look forward to the contributions Koto’s work will make to our understanding of young people’s engagement with heritage, culture and learning in local communities.”
The research examines the cultural resources young people draw on across school, home, and community contexts, with the aim of supporting educators and heritage practitioners to recognise and integrate these resources into inclusive practice. Addressing a reported disconnect between local pupils and Kensington Palace, the project offers insights into how heritage programmes can strengthen young people’s sense of place and belonging.
Transforming Data Reuse in Archaeology (TETRARCHs)
Laidlaw Scholar: James Fielding
Supervisor: Dr Sara Perry
Many organisations collect archaeological data to document and preserve cultural heritage, but current methods often limit how that data can be reused to tell engaging, inclusive stories. The TETRARCHs project explores new approaches to making archaeological data more meaningful and accessible for diverse audiences across Europe.
On becoming a Laidlaw Scholar, James said: “The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity and I’m really excited to get underway with my work with the rest of the team and uncover more amazing stories about archaeology and the impact it has on local communities across the world.”
Today, many organisations collect and manage archaeological data to document and preserve cultural landscapes, lifeways, sites, and objects. Unfortunately, current methods can make it difficult to re-use the data to tell stories and share findings in ways that are democratic, engaging and just. Although a lot has been done to make archaeology Findable, Accessible and Interoperable (according to the FAIR Principles), little is understood about whether the data are Reusable – and who is using them. The TETRARCHs project experiments with approaches to collecting archaeological data and using it for storytelling in ways that are meaningful for diverse audiences. Our experiments help both those who work in cultural heritage and the huge range of citizens across Europe who value it.
As we move into the next phase of our research, we will be evaluating our new methods for gathering archaeology and heritage data with different collaborators (archaeologists, residents, tourists) at multiple sites, including Tharros, Sardinia and Viminacium, Serbia.
About the Scholars
Koto Nakajima is a first-year undergraduate History student at UCL. Born and raised in Japan and Singapore, Koto developed an early appreciation for museums as spaces that offer diverse perspectives and inspire new ways of seeing the world. Initially driven by a strong interest in modern East and Southeast Asian history, Koto has since become increasingly engaged with how museums shape narratives and interact with their visitors.
James Fielding is a first-year undergraduate at the UCL Institute of Archaeology. Passionate about engaging local communities in archaeological data, James sees his area of research as a fascinating subject that has a lot of room for growth and can have a positive impact on the contemporary world.
Laidlaw Scholarship
More information on what's involved, eligibility and how to apply to take part in the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme.
Find out more
High-status Iron Age burials reveal early links to Roman Empire
A large cemetery containing the lavishly adorned remains of high-status individuals dating from around 2,000 years ago has been uncovered by Archaeology South-East (UCL Institute of Archaeology).
10 Jul 2026
Sada Mire’s research featured at new National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington DC
Associate Professor of Heritage Studies Dr Sada Mire’s research on the heritage and peace-building traditions of the Horn of Africa is on permanent display at the new museum.
08 Jul 2026
Job Vacancy: Research Fellow in African Heritage, Remote Sensing and GIS
The UCL Institute of Archaeology currently has a vacancy for a Research Fellow in African Heritage, Remote Sensing and GIS (Ref: B03-03159).
03 Jul 2026