University celebrates continuing successful partnership with museums

Swansea University has strengthened its collaboration with one of its most valued partners, Amgueddfa Cymru -National Museum of Wales.

The organisations have just signed a new agreement pledging to work even more closely together in the future on such successful ongoing projects as the Swansea Science Festival.

Director General of Museums Wales David Anderson was welcomed to the University by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Stringer to confirm the agreement.

Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum of Wales Director General David Anderson (left) signing the agreement with Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Stringer.

National Museums Wales is made up of seven museums across Wales including the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

This is the main venue for the Science Festival, one of the University’s flagship outreach project, and the museum is part of the festival’s steering group. It also hosts Oriel Science Café, a series of free monthly public lectures delivered by guest speakers on a diverse range of scientific subjects.

The partnership has led to successful research roadshows held at the University, the National Museum Cardiff and St Fagans National Museum of History which saw researchers from both institutions sharing findings and developing opportunities to work together.

These events have resulted in more than 60 collaborations so far – some which have gone on to win funding including support for joint PhD with the Cardiff museum led by Professor Richard Johnston, from the College of Engineering.

Professor Stringer said: “The updated Memorandum of Understanding reflects the way our partnership has grown – we could not have foreseen just how many exciting projects we would end up collaborating on.”

“This new agreement marks not just the continuation that fruitful relationship but also recognises the opportunities we hope to have to build on those successes.”

These are set to include an exciting future collaboration to create a dedicated Richard Burton exhibition.

David Anderson added: “Our partnership with the University over the past two years continues to develop.

“This MoU is more than an agreement on paper. It bears fruit. And I am confident that the next two years will be equally as important with Swansea University inputting into National Museum Cardiff’s forthcoming Burton exhibition.”

Pictured (from left) at the signing with Mr Anderson and Professor Stringer are Professor David Turner (History & Classics),  Steph Mastoris Head of Museums and National Waterfront Museum Swansea,  Rhian Melita Morris Impact and Engagement Officer (Science), Professor Geoff Proffit , Director of Knowledge Economy, and Dr Richard Bevins,  Keeper of Natural Sciences, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum of Wales