Governing and Using Cultural Data: Community Rights and Digital Heritage Infrastructures in the UK and India

This PhD aims to investigate how digital heritage infrastructures and governance models can enable communities to retain control and ownership of cultural data, while supporting transparent, equitable use by institutions and industry, through a comparative study of emerging practices in the UK and India. It is a co-tutelle funded through a partnership between Coventry University and GITAM. The project examines cultural data as a shared but contested resource, focusing on how digital heritage infrastructures shape control, ownership, and participation in data creation and reuse. It is motivated by the need to move beyond technical digitisation towards governance models that foreground transparency, social justice, and sustained community involvement. The research advances knowledge across digital heritage, data governance, and cultural studies, while offering practical insights for museums, archives, technology companies, policymakers, and communities seeking more equitable and sustainable approaches to cultural data management. The project will follow a structured, participatory workflow guided by the CARE principles for cultural data governance. In Year 1, the candidate will complete ethical approval, recruit partners, and co-design the case study focus through workshops and interviews. Year 2 will focus on data collection, comparative analysis, digitisation of cultural materials, development of digital and immersive outputs (including VR), and elite interviews with stakeholders. In Year 3, the workflow will shift to refined co-design, final production of public-facing outputs, and evaluation of governance models.

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with at least 60% in the project element or equivalent and an overall module average of 60%. Potential to engage in innovative research and complete the PhD within 3.5 years. English language proficiency with IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 and at least 6.5 in each component.

To find out more, please contact Dr Benjamin Kysewood at ac4693@coventry.ac.uk. Applications must include full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 2000-word supporting statement detailing relevant expertise and interests.