Developing AI to Move Local Cultural Collections Closer to the Knowledge Economy
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 25 Aug 2026
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: January 2027
For further details contact: Professor Vasile Palade
Introduction
Digital cultural heritage is increasingly accessed, shared and reused through online platforms, creating new opportunities for communities to participate in the production of knowledge and cultural narratives. However, many local collections remain difficult to discover because metadata is limited, resources are constrained and existing digital infrastructures often prioritise institutional requirements over community needs. Emerging linked data and AI technologies offer new ways to overcome these challenges, yet their application has largely focused on well-resourced organisations. This project addresses this gap by exploring how community voice, authority and care can shape the design of next-generation cultural data infrastructures.
Project details
The student will work with two research centres at Coventry University (CSMM and Arcc) and Capture Ltd to investigate whether decentralised linked data approaches can improve access to and the management of and engagement with community cultural collections. Combining software development, knowledge graph technologies and AI-assisted metadata generation with participatory co-design methods, the project will recruit UK archive partners to shape system requirements and governance practices. Research activities will explore technical infrastructure, user experience, rights management and community decision-making. The project will assess how linked data models can support discovery while embedding CARE Principles of Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics within cultural heritage software system.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additional requirements
Applicants should possess a strong background in computer science, software engineering, data science, digital humanities technologies or a closely related discipline. Experience with databases, metadata standards, linked data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, web technologies or knowledge graphs would be advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate an interest in cultural heritage, archives, community participation or responsible data governance. The project requires a willingness to engage with archive practitioners, community participants and industry partners through workshops and co-design activities. Strong analytical, communication and collaborative working skills are essential, alongside a commitment to ethical and inclusive research practices.
How to apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Professor Vasile Palade.
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Apply to Coventry University
