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Estimated reading time:
3 mins

Kickstarting Heritage Innovations: Breaking new ground with old walls

In brief

Professor Heather Viles, Professor of Biogeomorphology and Heritage Conservation at the School of Geography and the Environment, talks about her pioneering research in preserving heritage sites, and her top tips on applying research into practice.

Overview

Professor Heather Viles, Professor of Biogeomorphology and Heritage Conservation at the School of Geography and the Environment, talks about her pioneering research in preserving heritage sites, and her top tips on applying research into practice.

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Kickstarting Heritage Innovations: Breaking new ground with old walls

In this video, Professor Viles shares her top tips for developing external partnerships, and how reflecting on what your project partners need can lead to the most impactful outcomes.

Professor Heather Viles said: ‘With 25 years of experience working with the heritage sector, I saw an opportunity for more creative, collaborative partnerships between academics and heritage sites at risk of falling into disrepair.’

‘You need to reflect on what they need, rather than thinking about what you can give and what you want to get out of it.’   

Professor Viles is renowned for her interdisciplinary research at the intersection of geomorphology and heritage science, working closely with sites such as Blenheim Place and Charter House, London. The Kickstarting Heritage Innovations project provides research expertise and equipment to help preserve heritage sites for future generations.

Find out more about Heather and her research


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Researchers across the Social Sciences Division are transforming society through innovation and collaboration. From action research to applied methods, social sciences research at the University of Oxford is helping to tackle global challenges by shaping policies and creating scalable, sustainable impacts for communities and economies.

Our new Innovation Stories video series reveals the diverse paths of four researchers from the Social Sciences Division dedicated to introducing new ideas into society and leading innovative partnerships that spark meaningful change. The films offer valuable insights to other social scientists thinking about innovation in their own area, and highlight the innovation support available to them. 

Are you a social sciences researcher at the University of Oxford with a big idea to bring to life? Discover how you can incorporate innovation into your social sciences research and the support available


In brief

Professor Heather Viles, Professor of Biogeomorphology and Heritage Conservation at the School of Geography and the Environment, talks about her pioneering research in preserving heritage sites, and her top tips on applying research into practice.