North-Sea Heritage in Transitions (NHT)

Description

North-Sea Heritage in Transitions (NHT) is an Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Focal Award led by the University of Aberdeen with Robert Gordon University and the University of the Highlands and Islands in Orkney and Shetland, together with the Greenhouse Center for Environmental Humanities at the University of Stavanger as an international project partner. It describes itself as a national centre for excellence addressing the role of art history, visual arts and creative practice in a region undergoing economic, environmental and cultural transition. The award funds up to thirty doctoral studentships across three cohorts, with the first cohort starting in October 2026 and eleven projects advertised in the first round.

Research is organised around three pillars. Landscape combines art history, creative practice and environmental humanities approaches to landscape and environmental change, cultural memory and community identity in rural and coastal contexts. Built Environment examines architecture, urban and island spaces and heritage infrastructure through architectural history, design, lighting, archaeology and digital humanities, supporting work on regeneration, adaptive reuse and archival practice. Social Life investigates heritage through migration, health and wellbeing, religion and faith, emerging technologies and interconnected communities, and how creative industries and heritage organisations shape public life and community resilience.

Doctoral researchers take a bespoke nine-week course in digital, data and artificial intelligence skills developed by the three UK partner institutions with Stavanger, alongside access to the separate annual training programme of the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities. The award has over twenty named cultural and community partners who will collaborate on placements, co-production, mentorship and knowledge exchange.

Currently active

Yes

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2026

Contact details

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Categorisation

Type

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University affiliation(s)

University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen

Partner Infrastructures

Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment. It ensures the historic environment is cared for, valued and en… read more about Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

Edinburgh

Partner Universities

The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

University of the Highlands and Islands

Additional Partnerships

North-East Scotland Preservation Trust; Pier Arts Centre; Deveron Projects; Grampian Hospitals Art Trust; Aberdeen City Council; Hospitalfield; National Galleries of Scotland; V&A Dundee; The Greenhouse Center for Environmental Humanities, University of Stavanger