5XÉçÇø

Research

Centre for Culture and Heritage

Window in Bury St Edmunds cathedral

Who we are

The Centre for Culture and Heritage is comprised of innovators passionate about showcasing our cultural heritage - past, present and future. Our mission is to be the hub of Creative Suffolk, leading contemporary research in the Arts and Humanities, linked to community engagement and impact across East Anglia and the wider world.

What we do

We pride ourselves on working with stakeholders on cultural projects that link to our commitment to being a transformational Civic University. We engage in research and knowledge exchange that has social value and impact. We prioritise community co-creation partnerships with cultural and heritage bodies via joint projects, exhibits, training, consultancy, and heritage development.  

We are focused on how cultural heritage can transform the health and well-being of individuals and groups in society. Through creative and cultural projects, underpinned by the rigour of world-leading scholarship, we celebrate sustainable heritage emphasising people, place and positive cultural change. 

Vision 

  • Be a leading hub of creative excellence for innovative and collaborative research and creative projects in the Arts Humanities
  • Inspire a pride in our history and culture through research, exhibitions, events, education and outreach activities
  • Work with communities, individuals, and organisations in order to support the culture and heritage of our region
  • Foster and promote a passion for the heritage and culture of East Anglia and beyond
  • Engage with international partners and contribute to being global citizens 
  • Be the hub for Creative Suffolk 

Find out more about the Centre for Culture and Heritage

Our People

Professor Brian McCook

Brian is Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Brian McCook staff profile photo

Vivienne Aldous

History lecturer Vivienne Aldous spent more than 20 years as a professional archivist and brings practical archival research experience to the University.

Dr Jenny Amos

Dr Jenny Amos is a socio-phonologist who specialises in modelling dialect variation, lecturing in Linguistics at the 5XÉçÇø.

Jenny Amos staff profile photo

Nigel Ball

Nigel Ball joined the 5XÉçÇø in 2007 and is a Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design and Head of Arts.

Nigel Ball staff profile photo

Dr Susan Barnet

Originally from Los Angeles, Susan works across multiple media and has an MFA in film from the California Institute of the Arts.

Noel Bowler

Noel joined as a full-time lecturer in 2015. His photography has been exhibited worldwide including New York Photofestivel and Les Recontres d’Arles.

Dr Matthew Bowman

Dr Bowman is a widely-published art critic and historian. His research focuses on twentieth century and contemporary art, criticism, photography and more.

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Dr Ellen Buck

Ellen is Director of Learning and Teaching and is a member of the University's Senior Leadership Team.

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Dr Louise Carter

Louise is a Lecturer in History, whose interests include gender in Georgian society, early-modern witch hunts and the impact of war on childhood.

Louise Carter staff profile photo

Dr Maximilian Drephal

Maximilian Drephal is a historian of empire. He has particular interests in the international history of modern Afghanistan and colonial South Asia.

Dr Mark Edwards

Dr. Mark Edwards is a renowned practitioner and academic with his work exhibited in major photographic collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

Mark Edwards staff profile photo

Dr Ruth Flaherty

Dr Ruth Flaherty joined 5XÉçÇø in September 2019 as a Lecturer in Law.

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Dr John Greenacre

John is a military historian with a particular interest in 20th Century conflict.

John Greenacre staff profile photo

Dr Amanda Hodgkinson

Amanda is an award-winning internationally published novelist, journalist and writer.

Amanda Hodgkinson staff profile photo

Aishani Jayasinghe

Aishani is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and a practising architect of 20 years. Originally from Sri Lanka, she has a portfolio of more than 150 projects.

Aishani Jayasinghe staff profile photo

Dr Darragh Martin

Darragh is Course Leader, BA (Hons) English and writes novels, plays, and stories for children.

Darragh Martin staff profile photo

Events

Upcoming events within the Centre for Culture and Heritage.

Find out more
Aerial view of four cyclists
The entrance to The Hold
Students sitting in a lecture
Opened book pages