William Megarry

William Megarry is a Senior Lecturer in Geographical Information Science in Archaeology and Palaeoecology at Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and leadership in cultural heritage, climate change, and geospatial technologies. He serves as Associate Director of the Centre for GIS and Geomatics and is a member of the Historic Monuments Council of Northern Ireland.

His research focuses on the intersection of cultural heritage and climate change, with expertise in geospatial techniques for archaeology, heritage management, and risk assessment. He leads major international projects such as the Climate Vulnerability Index for Cultural Heritage in Africa and the Heritage on the Edge project with ICOMOS, CyArk, and Google Arts & Culture. His work spans sites including Petra, Machu Picchu, Brú na Bóinne, and the Shetland Islands.

The analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on climate vulnerability assessment, values-based heritage management, and the application of digital tools in conservation. His research is deeply interdisciplinary, combining archaeology, environmental science, and policy, with a geographic emphasis on Africa, the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East.

• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA)
• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSA Scot)
• Association of Canadian Studies of Ireland Visiting Fellow
• Fellow of the Higher Education Authority
• Global Challenge Research Training Program

William Megarry supervises PhD students and serves on advisory panels for international heritage and climate initiatives. He is a Principal Investigator on multiple research grants, including AHRC-DCMS and Global Challenges Research Fund projects. He has been involved in training heritage professionals in Africa and advising on climate adaptation for historic urban centers.

He is a key figure in the ICOMOS network, serving as Focal Point for Climate Change and head of the Climate Action Working Group. He also contributes to public engagement through media appearances and expert commentary on heritage and climate issues.