Heritage and Culture
The University of Leicester’s Heritage Hub facilitates collaborations that combine cutting-edge university research, sector and lived experience. We support people and organisations to explore, investigate and celebrate their heritage, undertaking innovative data gathering and research to inform strategy and maximise social and economic impact. We are committed to researching and removing barriers to participation, working collectively and equitably through heritage to address inequalities – for example, in education and health.
We are based on campus, but work across our city and region, across disciplines and sectors to innovate inclusive, financially resilient and impactful projects and partnerships. We collaborate with organisations of all sizes, including local authorities, museums, heritage sites, libraries and archives, education and health providers, charities, community organisations and local businesses. We support and empower young people through learning programmes, placements, work experience and enrichment opportunities with a focus on local heritage.
Contact us
We facilitate sector and public access to University of Leicester expertise, collections and research and connect our students and staff with the rich heritage of our city and region. Bringing people and organisations together through heritage our mission is to spark innovative collaborations that make positive change in our world.
If you would like to find out more about the kinds of support and services the Hub can offer, please contact us at heritageuol@le.ac.uk.
Key people
- Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology, Heritage Hub Director
- George Lewis, Professor of History, Deputy Director
- Simon Dixon, Associate Director and Head of Archives and Special Collections
- Ali Brand-Barker, Heritage Partnerships Officer
- Sue Wood, Heritage Hub Administrator
Events
Join us for our Heritage Hub Celebration of Heritage 2026!
We are excited to invite you to our annual Celebration of Heritage on Saturday 21 March 2026 12-4pm, a free event open to all. You can meet our students and staff, explore our University campus, discover our remarkable collections and learn about world leading research that shapes our understanding of the past, present and future. The event also marks the final day of Literary Leicester.
Celebration of Heritage 2026
This year, more than 50 organisations from across the region will join us. Come along to explore local museum collections, hear fascinating stories of the rich history and heritage of our city and region and find out what’s happening at upcoming festivals and heritage events.
With hands-on activities ranging from leather craft and weaving, to Morris dancing and our archaeological dig pit, there is something for everyone. Our friendly Heritage Hub Ambassadors will be on hand throughout the day to help you make the most of your visit.
We are also introducing an exciting new feature for 2026: The University Heritage Discovery Zone. Journey from the origins of life on Earth to cutting-edge space research, explore ancient diet and medicine and try your hand at life saving skills. Join us for an amazing day of discovery and connection across generations and cultures.
The Heritage Hub is inspired by the founding vision of the University of Leicester as a living memorial created by the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at the end of the First World War. Today, we continue that legacy by working creatively with our communities across the region and beyond to improve lives, now and for future generations “so that they may have life.”
We look forward to celebrating with you! Details of the programme to follow shortly.