PhD Workshop | Museums and new challenges

The Una Europa PhD Workshop in Cultural Heritage is a unique, transdisciplinary event designed to explore how museums are addressing the evolving challenges of the modern world.

Open to doctoral researchers from Una Europa partner universities, this workshop offers an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with experts and peers from diverse academic fields. Through interactive seminars, hands-on activities, and dynamic discussions, participants will deepen their understanding of critical issues in cultural heritage management and contribute to developing innovative solutions for the future of museums.

By participating in this workshop, you will engage with key topics such as digital technologies, societal responsibility, and environmental sustainability — topics that are reshaping the role of museums today. The workshop's collaborative and interdisciplinary approach encourages new perspectives and ideas, helping you gain valuable insights into how museums can continue to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

• Hands-on experience
  Participants will help create two virtual exhibitions — one on environmental heritage and another on dissonant heritage — gaining practical experience in designing and curating digital exhibitions alongside museum professionals.

• Networking opportunities
  This workshop offers the chance to connect with museum professionals, academics, and industry stakeholders, helping you expand your professional network and build lasting collaborations.

• An academic approach
  With interactive sessions and lectures from international experts, the workshop provides valuable insights into how museums adapt to technological, societal, and environmental changes, supporting your academic and professional growth.
• ECTS credits
  Participants will earn 4 ECTS credits upon successful completion, recognised by Una Europa universities, which will enhance your academic qualifications.

This Una Europa PhD Workshop in Cultural Heritage will be held in Bologna, at various venues of Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna and its partner institutions. The five-day workshop programme features lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and meetings with museum professionals, archivists, NGOs, and other heritage stakeholders. The workshop will take an interactive approach, encouraging active participation from doctoral researchers before, during, and after the event.

The primary language will be English.

• Pre-Workshop phase

In the pre-workshop phase, participants will engage in online seminars introducing key concepts and the process of creating virtual exhibitions. Two virtual exhibitions will be developed: one focusing on Environmental Heritage, to be launched in May during the in-person workshop, and another on Difficult Heritage, which will be inaugurated in December 2025. Participants will play an active role in the development of both exhibitions.

• Post-Workshop phase

Following the workshop, there will be a half-day online seminar in June 2025 where participants will present and discuss their final papers, allowing for further academic exchange and feedback.

There is no participation fee for selected participants.

Additionally, doctoral researchers can apply for mobility grants through the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme to support their travel and accommodation costs.

To apply, submit the following documents by 8 February 2025:

• Abstract of your PhD thesis (max. 500 words).
• CV (max. 2 pages).
• Letter of introduction from your PhD supervisor or academic referee (max. 300 words).
• Proposal abstract for an oral presentation, workshop, or exhibition.

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF and sent to Filippo Espinoza at filippo.espinoza@unibo.it.