The Ruskin Research Institute launches

March 2025

Following approval by the University’s Senate and Council, The Ruskin has launched a new Research Institute encouraging researchers from a range of subjects to partake in cross-disciplinary research with lasting impact.

Using the Ruskin Whitehouse Collection as a springboard for exploring social, cultural and environmental issues today, the Research Institute encompasses John Ruskin’s reach as a polymath and the Collection’s extensive resource as a 360° view of the origins of Ruskin’s thinking and that of the nineteenth century.

The Ruskin Research Institute is integrated with The Ruskin’s public-facing programme, producing ‘live’ research through exhibitions, events, publications and digital activities. Its research is produced through the Collection to enhance knowledge and understanding of it. Research also encompasses specialist and interdisciplinary research fields thematically linked to the Collection.

The research themes are:
• Art, literature, history and visual cultures
• Architecture, design, mathematics and material cultures
• Environmental and heritage sciences
• Health and Social Sciences
• Digital and Emerging Technologies, and Future Studies

The Ruskin Research Institute is designed to work with researchers at all stages of their careers and encourages research proposals. If you have an idea for a research project, email the-ruskin@lancaster.ac.uk