Heritage, culture and digital innovation

Exploring the intersection between heritage and digital innovation
South West Innovation Expo
Heritage is the past viewed from a contemporary perspective. With its significance in culture, education, economy, environment and society, it shapes identities, preserves knowledge and collective memory, boosts tourism, supports conservation efforts and promotes social cohesion. It provides a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. Digital innovation plays a crucial role in democratising access to heritage and redefining how we engage with the past. Modern technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, provide immersive experiences that bring history to life, enriching our understanding of the past.

Heritage, culture and digital innovation research insights

At Plymouth, the Heritage, culture and digital innovation research theme explores the intersection between heritage and digital innovation and harnesses the power of technology to safeguard, interpret, and celebrate cultural heritage in the digital age. 
Our ongoing research and partnerships embed communities in the co-creation of digital heritage initiatives. Through this, we foster a sense of ownership and connection to place and local heritage while empowering them to share their stories and perspectives.
Ruptured Domesticity: mapping spaces of refuge in Iraq

Explore our research projects

Senior couple looking at an iPad.

Intergenerational Codesign of Novel technologies In Coastal communities (ICONIC)

Students at Powderham castle

The hidden history of Powderham Castle

Photograph by Amsha, Ruptured Atlas participant

Ruptured Atlas Creative Mapping of Yazidi Odyssey of Home, Displacement, Migration and Return

A letter rack painted by Cornelis van der Meulen in 1673 (Credit Cornelius van der Meulen via Wikimedia Commons)

Centuries of separation – how isolation and loneliness has been experienced throughout history

Elderly person in wheelchair exercising using a virtual reality (VR) headset

Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD)

Lanhydrock plaster ceiling

Restoration of 17th century plaster ceiling at Lanhydrock House

Migrant Materialities

Migrant Materialities

An aerial view of Tinside Lido pool, The Hoe in Plymouth, UK

Investigating the Intertidal Zone

Heritage

Plymouth Heritage Praxis

Plymouth Heritage Praxis is a 'praxis' or research-in-practice unit based at the University of Plymouth. 
From archival research and site and collections investigations to the development of interpretation pathways from exhibitions, events and trails to graphic design, locative apps, virtual and augmented reality immersive experiences, we help to deliver historical research, heritage management and interpretation in line with contemporary trends and the ever-changing requirements of the visitor. We aim to work with partners who are keen to support our students, putting real-world experience at the heart of the student experience.

Academic theme lead

Professor Daniel Maudlin

Professor Maudlin's research focuses on architectural theory and the role of space, place, and material culture in shaping the British Atlantic World from 1650 to 1850. Daniel completed his studies at the University of St Andrews and worked for Historic Environment Scotland before joining academia. He held a Leverhulme Postdoctoral Fellowship at Dalhousie University, Canada, before joining the University of Plymouth in 2005.
At Plymouth, Daniel co-leads the History and Heritage Research Group, teaches public history and heritage, and serves as MA Heritage Theory and Practice programme leader. He also directs Plymouth Heritage Praxis, a student-led consultancy focused on the health and well-being benefits of the historic environment, collaborating with partners such as the National Trust, Historic England, and Dartmoor National Park.
Professor Daniel Maudlin

Our researchers

 

Other themes in our place-based research

Map of Plymouth with flags indication places and colourful string used to connect flags. Concept for place, community and creativity research.
Place, community and creativity
Group of people protesting for an environmental cause.
Environment and sustainability
UK in a changing world research concept: image of the UK on top of computer graphics
UK in a changing world
Health, community and wellbeing research concept: person in wheelchair overlooking a sandy beach and the sea, three children holding hands in the distance.
Health, community and wellbeing

SHAPE disciplines address global challenges associated with marine, health and sustainability through the lens of place

Through five place-based research themes, we investigate the intricate relationships between communities, the natural world, and technology.
 
Locally, we co-create sustainable solutions to complex problems in order to build resilient and thriving neighbourhoods, cities, and regions. This work transcends geographical, social and political boundaries to become applicable on a global level.
Place-based research concept: crowd of people standing on a computer motherboard.
SHAPE – Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy