Issue 34       August 24

From Ancient Egypt to modern China, our Oriental Museum is devoted to the culture, art and archaeology of Asia and Northern Africa. We spoke to Dr Craig Barclay, Head of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, to find out what it’s like working at the museum and to hear more about the amazing family story at the heart of its latest exhibition.

As colleagues from across Professional Services prepare for the move to Boldon House at the beginning of 2025, we talked to one member of the project team who is working to help people get the most out of the relocation.

We met with our Head of Risk Management, Chris Walker, to explore his role, and we discover more about MammalWeb, a citizen science platform founded to monitor UK mammal populations through camera trap data.

Becky Maddison, who leads our merchandising team, has updated the product range with a focus on sustainability and local suppliers, introducing new items at various locations including the Botanic Garden gift shop and graduation events. Dialogue spoke to Becky to find out more.

If you’d like to share a story or an interesting hobby with us, please email internal.communications@durham.ac.uk

Highlights

Supporting the move to Boldon House

As colleagues from across Professional Services prepare for the move to Boldon House at the beginning of 2025, we talk to one member of the project team who’s working to help people get the most out of the relocation.

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Helping to create memories

Since joining us in February, Becky Maddison, our retail merchandising manager, has been busy reviewing and updating our merchandising, with sustainability being key. If you have visited the Botanic Garden over the last few months, you may have noticed some new items on sale in our gift shop.

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What I took away from our first Inclusive Durham Festival

Our first Inclusive Durham Festival took place last month, which gave colleagues the opportunity to hear about our Inclusive Durham Framework and to find out more about the ongoing work. We spoke to Becs Grundy, Senior Communications and Engagement Manager (Internal) to get her account from the festival.

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Discover my world

Camera traps and citizen scientists: how MammalWeb is tracking the UK’s elusive wildlife

MammalWeb, a citizen science platform founded in 2013 to monitor UK mammal populations through camera trap data, recently joined a pilot to study declining hedgehog numbers, as Professor Russell Hill explains in an interview about the project's goals and future.

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Artificial Intelligence and the arts

Earlier this year, several academic colleagues from across the arts, humanities and social sciences visited Proto in Gateshead to explore how innovative digital technologies can enhance their research activities.

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Durham inspires

From risk management to fundraising – in conversation with Chris Walker

Our colleagues from the Strategy, Planning and Insight Office (SPIO) recently earned recognition at the ALARM Risk Awards in Manchester. Chris Walker, Head of Risk Management, talked to us about Risk Management at the University and what a typical day looks like for him.

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Meet Stuart Hunt: our University Librarian shares insights and priorities

With more than 20 years of experience in Higher Education libraries, Stuart Hunt joined us in December 2023 as our Director of Library Services and Collections and University Librarian. Eight months into the role, we spoke to Stuart to find out more about him and his role at Durham.

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Inside the Oriental Museum with Dr Craig Barclay

From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the Oriental Museum is devoted to the culture, art and archaeology of Asia and Northern Africa. We caught up with our Head of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, Dr Craig Barclay, to find out what it’s like working at the museum.

to read

Expanding our twinning partnership with Zaporizhzhia National University

We recently enjoyed hosting representatives from our twinned Ukrainian university, Zaporizhzhia National University (ZNU), who met with their Durham counterparts to share best practice and explore potential research collaborations in renewable energy and emerging technologies.

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Insights

Beccy Blackwood balances business support and the joy of Morris Dancing

Beccy Blackwood is a Business Support Administrator in our Estates and Facilities Directorate and in this edition of Dialogue, she tells us about her favourite pastime

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From recycling to building projects: the diverse role of a University General Service Assistant

Edward Newcomb, a General Services Assistant at the University for nearly four years, helps maintain the Bill Bryson Library, ensuring a positive experience for visitors by keeping the building running smoothly.

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Contribute

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you! Get in touch via internal.communications@durham.ac.uk.