From May 27th to 29th 2026 the third annual workshop meeting of our SRN took place, this year hosted by CHART at Swansea University.

Over three days, we shared updates on current research and projects, and returned to our perennial challenge of how we define and understand Heritage Practice Communities. The programme focused on the work of young researcvhers with the majority of presentations and flash talks on PhD and post-doc research as well as on Master thesis projects. We also enjoyed presentations on local heritage initiatives in nearby Port Talbot from Eirwen Hopkins of Calon Afan and SaraJane Hopkins of Neath Port Talbot Council. 

As part of the programme, on the evening of May 27th, UAntwerp's Dr June Zhang gave an inspiring public lecture in Swansea's Urban HQ, reflecting her expertise and research trajectory in Intangible Cultural Heritage, especially with Chinese HPCs. Her paper was titled 'Making Living Heritage Visible: Media, Participation, and Sustainable Futures'.

On the final day of the meeting we had a highly enjoyable excursion to St Fagans National Museum of History. Aside from the Welsh sunshine which made a welcome appearance over all our days together, a big highlight this year was the possibility to put early career researchers in the spotlight, creating new networks, strengthening existing ones, and finding common ground in the diverse research around heritage and the people and networks that make it matter. 

Taking stock at this mid point of the SRN's activities, we are very happy with how far we have come, the research activities that are already taking shape between members thanks to this network bringing us together, and the possibilities still available for the future. Next year our big networking meeting and workshop will be hosted by the University of Copenhagen's GLAM research group. We can't wait to get together again!