The Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) is based in the School of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, UK. Established in 1999, our research stimulates new thinking and creative practice that enables cultural organisations to become more ambitious and impactful in nurturing more equitable and inclusive societies.

Our research engages with, and responds to, real world contexts. We understand that museums, galleries and heritage are part of – and active in shaping – the contemporary world.

We initiate and lead our own research projects – which includes Encountering the Unexpected – and we also carry out commissioned research. Our research is team-based, drawing on specialists from a range of fields and backgrounds depending on the project, and we design projects using the most appropriate methods for the context. We are experienced in using mixed-methods approaches and specialise in qualitative research, including action research.

RCMG works with a range of organisations including museums, galleries, heritage and cultural organisations. Our research has been funded by a range of organisations including Arts and Humanities Research Council, European Union, Wellcome Trust, Arts Council England, National Trust, National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, as well as national and regional museums, government departments and strategic bodies.

We have a small core team of staff:

Jocelyn Dodd, Director of RCMG

Ceri Jones and Sarah Plumb, Research Associate (job share)

Richard Sandell, Professor of Museum Studies