Sian Jones

Sian Jones is Professor of Environmental History and Heritage at the University of Stirling, where she leads interdisciplinary research integrating archaeology, history, and social anthropology. She previously held a position at the University of Manchester for 18 years, demonstrating a long-standing academic career in heritage and identity studies.

Her research interests include cultural identity, ethnicity, monuments, memory and place, conservation, authenticity, social value, the history of urban public parks, and community co-production of heritage. She critically examines how the past is used in shaping national and cultural identities, particularly through archaeological interpretation.

The trends in her publications reflect a consistent focus on identity, heritage value, and public engagement. Her work bridges theoretical archaeology with applied heritage management, emphasizing community involvement, authenticity experiences, and social value. She has contributed significantly to critical heritage studies, especially through interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Selected Research Projects:

• ACCORD Project: Co-production of 3D heritage models with communities
• Whitworth Park Community Archaeology Project
• Valuing the Historic Environment: Research on social value in heritage

Key Publications:

• The Archaeology of Ethnicity: Constructing Identities in Past and Present
• Cultural Identity and Archaeology: The Construction of European Communities (co-edited)
• Historical Archaeology: Back from the Edge (co-edited)
• Jewish Local Patriotism and Self-Identification in the Graeco-Roman World (co-edited)

Sian Jones actively participates in academic discourse through conference presentations and collaborations. She mentors interdisciplinary research and promotes community-centered approaches in heritage studies. Her work continues to influence both academic and professional practices in conservation and public archaeology.