History UK and The National Archives’ Higher Education Archive Programme (HEAP) are teaming up to explore how archives professionals and historians have adapted their research projects and ways of working as a result of closures and restrictions on access.

The circumstances of 2020-21 have exacerbated pre-existing challenges across our sectors, particularly in terms of access to archive and library materials. Yet it’s also shown us innovation, resilience, and the importance of mutual learning by archivists and historians alike.

We're coming together to discuss how archives professionals and historians have adapted research projects and practices as a result of closures and social distancing. The aim is to explore how changes made for COVID-19 can and should be used to address longstanding issues of accessibility and equity, and to provide practical guidance for those needing to reframe or rethink their research.

The event will take place online via the Zoom platform. We will circulate joining details a few days before the event.

We have invited contributors to reflect on the topic of research resilience in a series of short blog posts and videos. Please find these resources on the History UK website. We invite you to take a look at these resources prior to the event and be ready to share any thoughts, responses and questions on the day.

Provisional schedule (UK time)

14:00 - 14: 10 Welcome and introduction

14:10 - 14:35 Panel discussion

14:35 - 14:55 Q&A

14:55 - 15:05 Break

15:05 - 15:25 First set of break out rooms

15:25 - 15:50 Second set of break out rooms

15:50 - 16:00 Wrapping up

If you have any questions about the event, please contact research@nationalarchives.gov.uk

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Image: The National Archives, NSC 25/458, 1965.