Below is a statement from Durham University:

Strengthening our partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing

We have strengthened our relationship with the Palace Museum, Beijing, through a delegation to China led by our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, which included the Museum and ourselves co-hosting the latest in our series of Global Lectures.

Historical perspectives informing strategies for the future

The two keynote speakers at the Global Lecture Series event were eminent academics affiliated with the two institutions, and both explored the relationship between studying the past and insights for the future.

The first address, entitled Archaeology and Climate Change, was delivered by our own Dr Rob Witcher, Associate Professor and Antiquity Editor in our Department of Archaeology.

Dr Witcher’s talk explored current climate change research in archaeology and how experts are increasingly aligning their work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of using lessons of the past to support future societies to mitigate and adapt to significant changes in climate.  

The second address, Research on the Relationship between Humans and Water in Prehistoric Settlement Sites, was delivered by Professor Liu Jianguo from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 

The event was attended by a select group of experts in the field. Scholars from both Durham and the Palace Museum were joined by those from leading Chinese universities and research institutions as well as several Durham alumni in academia. 

Sharing knowledge

Our research in archaeology, cultural heritage, and environmental studies is a cornerstone of our academic strength. Collaborations with institutions like the Palace Museum are vital in advancing our mutual understanding of how humanity has shaped, and continues to shape, the environment.

We signed our first Memorandum of Understanding with the Museum in 2016, and this was renewed in 2023. The partnership has inspired new research collaborations and projects, leading to Durham being the first English university archaeological team to excavate within the walls of the Palace Museum. In addition to excavations, the two institutions have worked together on exhibitions, academic exchanges and heritage conservation projects.

A flagship partnership

The Durham delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global), Professor Claire O’Malley, received a warm welcome from the Director of the Palace Museum, Dr Wang Xudong and the Executive Deputy Director, Mr Lou Wei, leading a delegation from the Palace Museum, including the Director of Archaeology Department and other respected colleagues. 

Find out more

• Our Department of Archaeology is ranked joint fifth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Visit our Archaeology webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Did you know we have an Oriental Museum?
• Explore our work toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Source: Durham University; The Palace Museum