Research Exchange Meeting with Mr. Noam Shaan Rathgeber Knan, a Techne-funded PhD Researcher, University of Brighton, United Kingdom

April 23, 2026 April 27, 2026

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On April 23, we held a research exchange meeting with Mr. Noam Shaan Rathgeber Knan, a Techne-funded PhD researcher of the University of Brighton, United Kingdom. His work focuses on empirical research examining institutional responsibility from an ethical perspective in participatory heritage conservation and museum management. He visited our centre to learn about the objectives and activities of our international cooperation in heritage conservation, while also presenting his research and engaging in discussion with our team.

For the Centre’s presentations, following an overview of its activities, researcher ASADA Natsumi presented on cooperative survey and research for architectural conservation in Nepal and Bhutan. Associate Fellow YAMADA Ayano then introduced work on the digital documentation of medieval Islamic tombstones in Bahrain along with a related practical training programme for Gulf countries, implemented as part of research cooperation in archaeological conservation. Finally, Associate Fellow KUROIWA Chihiro gave a presentation about the conservation and sustainable development project at Ta Nei Temple in the Angkor site, Cambodia, which is being carried out in ongoing collaboration with the APSARA National Authority. After the Centre’ presentations, Mr. Rathgeber Knan delivered a presentation outlining the core aspects of his doctoral research, titled “Ethical Engagement, Care, and Institutional Responsibility in Participatory Heritage Practice.” Following the presentations, a lively discussion took place on the asymmetrical relationships inherent in conventional heritage conservation and museum management—such as those between experts and visitors, providers and recipients of support, and even between colonial powers and their former colonies.

Despite the limited time, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge developments in heritage studies and to gain important insights for future international cooperation in conservation through meaningful exchanges with a distinguished scholar.