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Publisher
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Coventry University

Governing and Using Cultural Data: Community Rights and Digital Heritage Infrastructures in the UK and India Coventry University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Expired

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Coventry University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Participatory Action Research
Sociology
Media Studies
Virtual Reality
Social Justice
Cultural Policy
Archive

About this position

This fully funded PhD project, jointly offered by Coventry University and GITAM, investigates how digital heritage infrastructures and governance models can empower communities in the UK and India to retain control and ownership of cultural data. The research aims to support transparent and equitable use of cultural data by institutions and industry, using a comparative approach to emerging practices in both countries.

The project is motivated by the need to move beyond technical digitisation, focusing instead on governance models that prioritize transparency, social justice, and sustained community involvement. It will advance knowledge in digital heritage, data governance, and cultural studies, providing practical insights for museums, archives, technology companies, policymakers, and communities seeking more equitable and sustainable approaches to cultural data management.

Aligned with UKRI’s Createch agenda and initiatives such as the National Digital Library and Indian Culture Portal, the project explores alternative models that support public benefit and responsible reuse across digital ecosystems. The research will be guided by the CARE principles for cultural data governance, embedding collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility, and ethics throughout the project lifecycle.

The structured, participatory workflow includes ethical approval, recruitment of community and cultural organisation partners, co-design of case studies, data collection, comparative analysis, and the development of digital and immersive outputs (including VR where appropriate). The candidate will engage in workshops, interviews, and elite stakeholder consultations, culminating in public-facing outputs and evaluation of governance models.

The ideal candidate will have a strong computer science background, a commitment to cultural heritage and local activism, and a desire to apply technical skills to community-centred heritage work. Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum 60% in the project element and overall module average, and demonstrate the potential to complete the PhD within 3.5 years. English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, 6.5 in each component) is required.

Funding covers tuition fees and a stipend. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. For further details, contact Dr Benjamin Kysewood at [email protected] or visit the project page.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

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