Treasure trove

Three researchers discuss their collaborations with cultural institutions

For most researchers, museums fall into one of two categories: repositories of artefacts for study, or somewhere to visit at the weekend. But combining these two categories can unlock potential new funding opportunities, through access to public engagement grants or by partnering with museums on projects combining research and public exhibitions.

Helen Fisher, a researcher in developmental psychopathology at King’s College London was funded by the UK’s Medical Research Council in 2019 to produce a mental health awareness-themed audio tour of the National Gallery in London. Fisher said she was eligible for the public engagement funding as she already held an MRC grant, but she didn’t know the money was available until she went looking for it.