The strategy day will bring together thought leaders from both organisations to explore common ground for fostering a dynamic working relationship.   It is hoped this collaboration will open doors to a multitude of prospects, including joint research endeavours, community projects, student placements and knowledge transfer partnerships. 

This meeting follows the recent launch of the University’s Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures. The Centre has been formed to explore the diverse facets of maritime life and cultures, and its potential alliance with the Mary Rose Trust aligns perfectly with two of its primary themes – ‘coastal communities and maritime heritage’, and ‘conservation of tangible and intangible heritage’. 

Dr Karl Bell, the Co-director of the Centre, said:

“We’re thrilled about the prospect of joining forces with the Mary Rose Trust. It represents a profound source of local maritime history and heritage.  Our Centre is deeply committed to civic engagement, and we eagerly anticipate working with the Trust to delve into the annals of coastal history.  It will be a great opportunity to explore, celebrate, and protect our coastal and maritime history for generations to come”.

Dominic Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the Mary Rose Trust, said:

“We’ve been collaborating with various University faculties for many years, but to have this opportunity to forge a strategic alliance is fantastic news. There is so much potential - we really look forward to expanding our relationship and to developing this alliance using the Mary Rose’s rich history and heritage.”

The Centre’s new website provides information about the Centre’s international and interdisciplinary activities to explore the past, present and future of urban-maritime cultures and communities. It includes a membership list of 46 academics and students from the University of Portsmouth and across the world.