Research in Culture, Heritage and Society

Through engagement, interaction and co-creation with communities, our researchers in the fields of Culture, Heritage and Society produce leading research in the arenas of regeneration of cities, social justice, philosophy, tourism, film and media production, augmented and virtual realities, drama, music, history and archaeology.

Using creative arts, technologies and investigative techniques for the benefit of communities we look at how they can be strengthened through a deeper understanding of them and their heritage.

Research centres

Our interdisciplinary approach to research means you will find research in the field of Culture, Heritage and Society in a range of different centres across our University.

Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries

The Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries (DEMI) was developed to provide a rigorous research base for the study of screen-based industries including games, film, television, animation, AR/VR/XR, simulations and virtual production.

The C3 Centre: Creative Industries and Creative Communities

Researchers, innovators, artists and creative thinkers passionate about co-creating with their surrounding communities and sectors.

Research projects

This is just a sample of the exciting research currently ongoing at University of Staffordshire.

Our researchers

Professor Carola Boehm

Professor

Having degrees both from the arts (music) as well as the sciences (electrical engineering, computer science) I am a genuine interdisciplinarian.

Carola's profile

Professor Neil Brownsword

Professor

Prof. Brownsword is an artist, researcher and educator. His research into the legacy of deindustrialisation in relation to North Staffordshire's ceramic industry, has had national and international cultural impact.

Neil's profile

Dr Dave Payling

Associate Professor

Dave is an audio-visual artist who holds a PhD in composition. His primary research focus is Electronic Visual Music and he teaches composition, audio-visuals and mastering at undergraduate and post-graduate levels

Dave's profile

Dr David White

Senior Lecturer

Course leader for PhDs. Senior lecturer in Computer Games Programming – 3D graphics programming and AI.

David's profile

Dr Agata Lulkowska

Associate Professor

Dr Agata Lulkowska is a Senior Lecturer in Film Production in the Department of Film, Media and Journalism. Agata’s background is in film practice, installations and photography.

Agata's profile

Professor David Webb

Professor

David is the course leader for Continental Philosophy. His expertise includes Modern European Philosophy, especially phenomenology, and French epistemology and philosophy of science (Heidegger, Levinas, Foucault, Serres, Bachelard, Cavaill&egrav…

David's profile

Dr Sharon Coleclough

Senior Lecturer

Sharon works across all areas of film and media production, focusing upon specialisms in sound design, editing, acting and performance in film. She is an active researcher with international publications on lighting, sound and representation in film.

Sharon's profile

Dr Marc Estibeiro

Associate Professor

Marc is the Course Leader for MA Music Production and teaches computer sound, advanced Pro Tools techniques, modern composition and music software design.

Marc's profile

Professor Ian Brown

Professor

Prof. Brown’s research investigates how contemporary social identity is constructed through rituals of consumption within popular culture. His research also explores the Invented World and the Natural World, including plant/human relations.

Ian's profile

Dr Andrew Stubbs-Lacy

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Andrew Stubbs is Senior Lecturer of Film Industries and Studies in the Department of Creative Industries where he leads on the critical, contextual and employability strands and produces high-quality research into the screen media industries.

Andrew's profile

Latest research - culture, heritage and society news


Suited man with hand in pocket stood in front of digital screens

University of Staffordshire unveils new brand identity

Staffordshire University is thrilled to announce that, from today, it will officially be known as ‘University of Staffordshire.’

Virtual Production Studio at Staffordshire University

Staffordshire and NUST universities launch Creative AI Lab

Staffordshire University has joined forces with Pakistan’s top university to drive research in artificial intelligence

Anna Francis showing Andi Oliver how to throw a pot

Stoke-on-Trent community project stars on BBC show

A groundbreaking community project in a deprived Stoke-on-Trent neighbourhood is the focus of a BBC television show next week

The Research, Innovation and Impact Services team can provide information about all aspects of research at University of Staffordshire.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021