معرفی
Dr Jo Vergunst is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen and an Honorary Curatorial Fellow in the University Museums. She holds a BA (Hons) in Archaeology & Anthropology from the University of Oxford (1996), an MA in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent (1999), and a PhD in Land Economy from the University of Aberdeen (2004). Her research focuses on people’s relationships with environments, particularly in Scotland, emphasizing the intersection of everyday experiences and political contexts. Key themes include rural development, landscape history, heritage, and creative practice in anthropology. She has led and collaborated on projects such as the Bennachie Landscapes Project and the Creative Landscape Futures network, exploring arts-based methodologies.
Research Interests:
- Rural and urban landscapes, including walking practices and material culture (e.g., wood as a craft and landscape element)
- Heritage co-production with communities, emphasizing ethical legacies and material assets
- Sustainable energy planning, such as solar farm policy and community engagement
- Anthropology of art and architecture, particularly interdisciplinary collaborations
Recent Projects:
- Solar Power in the UK (ESRC-funded, 2023–25): Examining solar farm planning processes
- Voices of the Future (NERC/AHRC/ESRC, 2021–24): Collaborating with youth to reimagine treescapes
- Creative Landscape Futures (AHRC, 2020–23): Arts and humanities contributions to landscape decision-making
Advising & Grants:
Current PhD advisees explore topics ranging from Icelandic marginal landscapes to Pu people heritage in China. Dr Vergunst has secured grants totaling over £2.5m, including roles as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on projects such as Heritage Legacies (AHRC, 2014–15) and Knowing from the Inside (ERC, 2013–2018).
Labs/Teams:
She leads the Bennachie Landscapes Project and collaborates with the Arkleton Institute for Rural Development Research. Her work bridges anthropology with artists, museums, and policy actors to foster interdisciplinary dialogue.
