A Strathclyde academic has received a fellowship from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to further the impact of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) research in Scottish Heritage.
The funding will help Dr Churnjeet Mahn, Reader in the School of Humanities, to create vital capacity to address equality, diversity and inclusion issues in some of Scotland’s largest and most influential heritage organisations, including Museums and Galleries Scotland.
Dr Mahn said: “I’m delighted to receive this fellowship from the AHRC. It will help with my research, which is looking at how we democratise access to Scottish heritage organisations so that we hear more voices and perspectives
“By working with the heritage sector in Scotland to map challenges, address inequalities, and build links with diverse communities, this fellowship provides an opportunity to curate more diverse and inclusive accounts of our past, in order to challenge inequalities in the present.”
Dr Mahn is amongst 10 recipients of the EDI Engagement Fellowships across the UK. They will be supported by a total investment of over £850,000, which will be used to engage diverse audiences with their outstanding research.
The funding will enable EDI Engagement Fellows to develop a range of exciting engagement opportunities, including community workshops and a bespoke festival. These opportunities will connect existing academic research with communities across the UK to deliver research with a tangible impact on society and help shape future EDI policies.
Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, said: “Learning about our heritage and culture and participating in the arts can deepen our perception of our history and of ourselves.
“These fellowships will enable researchers to connect their scholarship with diverse communities across the UK and bring about positive change.
“Arts and humanities research has tremendous potential to help people to embrace different viewpoints and to build a fairer, more inclusive society.”
AHRC has a longstanding commitment to upholding the principles of equality, diversion and inclusivity in all activities and is committed to creating a more inclusive research and innovation environment.