A new collaboration has been cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Mary Rose Trust and University of Portsmouth.
The historic event, held in the Mary Rose Museum’s Weston Ship Hall, marked the beginning of an exciting journey towards a strategic relationship between the two institutions.
The partnership between the University and the Mary Rose offers a wide range of opportunities for joint research, innovation, teaching, student placements and community projects. With both organisations situated in the vibrant coastal and cultural city of Portsmouth, their alignment is a natural fit, posed to foster meaningful engagement and collaboration within the local community.
The signing ceremony, attended by Professor Graham Galbraith, University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor and Mary Rose Trust Chief Executive, Dominic Jones, signalled a new chapter in maritime heritage, preservation and exploration. By joining forces, the University and the Mary Rose aim to unlock a wealth of possibilities, from unique research projects to immersive community initiatives.
We’re delighted to be joining forces with the Mary Rose Trust. Together we aim to advance our shared goals of maritime heritage, fostering academic excellence and enriching the cultural fabric of Portsmouth. We are deeply committed to civic engagement, and look forward to working with the Trust. This historic partnership presents an opportunity to research and protect our maritime history for future generations.
We’re thrilled to have cemented our incredibly strong relationship with the University by the signing of this MoU; it formalises what we have established over many years. We’re very excited to explore new avenues to ensure we continue to protect Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, especially with the University’s new Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures.
The MoU signing follows the recent establishment of the University’s Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures, which seeks to explore the rich tapestry of maritime life and heritage. The collaboration with the Mary Rose Trust perfectly aligns with the Centre’s core themes, focusing on coastal communities, maritime heritage conservation, and preservation of tangible and intangible maritime heritage.
Looking ahead, the partners will establish a steering group to guide their collaborative efforts, develop a timetable of joint events, and pursue joint research bids.