The University Museums Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Malavika Anderson (Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle University/North East Museums) as our new Co-Chair, effective this spring. Malavika will serve alongside Luke Syson (Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge), starting this spring in leadership of the organisation at a pivotal time for both the higher education and cultural sectors. Malavika brings her remarkable vision and capability to the Co-Chair role and will be invaluable as we continue to address questions central to the university museums sector: sustainability, connection-building with our communities, the role of technology in our collections and representing local priorities.
This also marks the end of the very successful tenure of Esme Ward (Manchester Museum) as UMG Co-Chair. During her time as Co-Chair, first alongside Alexander Sturgis (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford) and more recently with Luke Syson, Esme has provided the UMG with expert, insightful leadership through the complex challenges of COVID as well as the continuing challenges facing university museums. Esme has brought us into close dialogue with the Museums Association, National Museum Directors Council, research councils and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and will remain on the Exec Committee.
Please find Malavika Anderson’s candidate statement below:
I am delighted to have been nominated for the role of Co-Chair of the University Museums Group, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the vital work UMG undertakes across both the museum and Higher Education sectors. At a time when both higher education and the cultural sector are under pressure, I am energised by this opportunity to champion the essential role university museums play in society: enriching lives, promoting equity, and expanding intellectual horizons. At this moment, UMG’s role in listening to its membership, engaging with the wider museum community, articulating shared priorities, and shaping our collective contribution to the sector, feels more crucial than ever.
At Newcastle University’s Great North Museum: Hancock, I oversee major accredited collections in Natural History, Archaeology, and Ethnography. As the only university museum in the UK managed by a Local Authority museum service, North East Museums, we occupy a distinctive position that offers insights into civic partnerships, regional priorities, and the realities of operating beyond traditional university structures. This perspective, shaped by the North East’s unique opportunities and challenges, enables me to advocate for institutions whose voices are not always foregrounded.
Before joining Newcastle, I spent five years at Wellcome Collection where I developed strategic university partnerships and supported research through high-quality public engagement. In 2017, I was selected for Arts Council England’s Change Makers Leadership Programme with University of Cambridge Museums, during which I led a cross-collections public programme and established the Change Makers Action Group, a forum still driving conversations about representation and diversity within UCM. At the University of Cambridge, I also led the Public Engagement and Research Festival for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for five years. I have also served for several years as a Committee Member for Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge.
Alongside my current work, I remain involved in national initiatives that contribute to the broader museum and research landscape. I have been closely engaged in the DiSSCo programme for the digitisation of natural science collections, and I serve on the UK Parliament’s Collections Advisory Group, advising on interpretation, collections development, and public engagement.
I would be delighted to work more closely with colleagues across the UMG Executive, the wider university museum community, and the Co-chair of the group. I am confident that, if given the opportunity, I can bring a distinctive and positive perspective to UMG’s leadership at this pivotal time.
Speaking on Malavika’s appointment, Luke Syson, current Co-Chair, said “I am hugely looking forward to working closely with Malavika to continue our programme of skills sharing, networking and advocacy. Her ample vision and pragmatic common sense make her a brilliant champion of the university museum sector.”
Commenting on the end of her own term and Malavika’s appointment, outgoing co-chair Esme Ward said, “As I step down to focus on my research sabbatical over the next three months, I feel very fortunate for the timing and the opportunity to reflect, write, and explore new ideas. I am delighted that Malavika will be taking on the Co-Chair role, and I know she will bring insight, energy, and vision to the role.”
Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the university museums sector, and the UMG continues to advocate for the value of our collections and our research, support our members and collaborate with the cultural heritage and higher education sector more broadly. The UMG is enthusiastic about Malavika’s leadership and look forward to continuing our work with her in post.
Contact with queries:
UMG Coordinator
+44 (0) 7498 276 466
