Research England is delighted to announce that Dr Nick Merriman has been appointed to chair the Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund review.
Dr Merriman’s professional background
Dr Merriman is currently the Chief Executive and Director of Content for the Horniman.
Previously, he was:
- Director of the Manchester Museum
- Director of Museums and Collections
- Reader in Museum Studies at UCL
He has published widely on museum studies topics, he was:
- Chair of the University Museums Group 2009 to 2013
- Convenor of the Museums Association’s Ethics Committee 2008 to 2014
- Chair of the Collections Trust 2013 to 2017
Dr Merriman is an Honorary Professor at UCL and at The University of Manchester. He is currently Chair of the Designation Scheme Panel of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Trust’s Collections and Interpretation Advisory Group.
The Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund review
The fund supports museums, galleries and collections in the higher education sector that have research significance beyond their home institutions. Through the fund, Research England currently provides over £11 million to support 33 higher education museums and galleries.
The review will ensure that the fund provides effective support to the sector while delivering value for money. It will also set priorities and future funding levels from academic year 2024 to 2025 onwards.
Advances in research
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, said:
It is hugely important to ensure that museums, galleries and collections are supported effectively by our funding. The context for these precious resources has changed in recent years and there will be advances in research that are influenced by the collections housed in these diverse institutions, with benefits reaching beyond their immediate locality.
I am delighted that Dr Merriman will be leading this timely and significant review, with the support of the expert panel, and look forward to the future recommendations.
Dr Nick Merriman said:
I’m delighted to be able to bring to my longstanding knowledge of the higher education museum sector to this review, and I look forward to working with panel members in the process.
Call for expert panel members
Research England will shortly be announcing a call for expert panel members to work with Dr Merriman on the upcoming review of the Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund.
Panel members will provide advice on the review, assess applications and make funding recommendations to Research England.
Selection will be based on securing a diverse range of experiences and expertise to provide a comprehensive breadth of knowledge in support of funding recommendations.
Find out more about the Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund and for further information please contact researchpolicy@re.ukri.org
Top image: Credit: Dr Nick Merriman