AI-driven heritage preservation and management

We are offering a self-funded PhD position with the Brunel Business School, focusing on exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in preserving cultural heritage.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to Dr Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi at asieh.hosseinitabaghdehi@brunel.ac.uk

This research project seeks to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the preservation and management of cultural heritage, focusing on how AI can be used to engage communities and ensure the sustainability of heritage sites, artefacts, and practices. The project investigates AI tools and digital technologies for restoring, documenting, and conserving cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on community involvement in the process. By integrating AI-driven solutions into heritage management, the project aims to create a more inclusive, interactive, and sustainable approach to cultural preservation.

Key focus areas

AI for Heritage Preservation: Develop AI solutions for the digital restoration and conservation of cultural heritage, including artefacts, architecture, and intangible heritage.
Community Engagement: Investigate how AI technologies can be used to engage local communities in the preservation process, ensuring their voices and cultural knowledge are integral to heritage management.
Interactive Heritage Platforms: Design interactive digital platforms powered by AI that allow communities to experience and contribute to the preservation and interpretation of their cultural heritage.
Ethical AI in Heritage Management: Explore the ethical implications of AI use in heritage, focusing on issues such as cultural sensitivity, accessibility, and the representation of diverse histories and traditions.

Expected outcomes

Development of AI-based tools for the digital preservation and management of heritage assets
Creation of community-driven platforms that allow for collaborative cultural preservation efforts
Guidelines for integrating AI technologies into heritage management practices, with an emphasis on ethics and community involvement
Recommendations for using AI to promote cultural education, raise awareness, and enhance engagement with heritage sites

Impact

This project aims to empower local communities by giving them a central role in the preservation of their cultural heritage. By using AI as a tool for greater inclusion and interaction, the project will foster a deeper connection between communities and their cultural history while ensuring the sustainability of heritage preservation efforts for future generations.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: /research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi - Dr Asieh Tabaghdehi is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Business Economy, and Programme Lead for the BSc International Business Programme and Trade2Grow Executive Education Programme at Brunel University of London, as well as, an economist and social impact advisor for the independent NGO, . Asieh is a well-recognised academic in digital transformation, focusing on the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to advance sustainable business practices and address critical social and economic challenges. From 2021 to 2022, Asieh co-investigated the , funded by the UK Research Institute (UKRI), that explored the ethical implications of digital footprint data on value creation for SMEs. One of the project outputs was the Digital Business Auditing Framework, which has been adopted internationally for smart city initiatives. Asieh has attained an international reputation in the field of ethical integration and deployment of AI, particularly in the contexts of smart data governance. Her research integrates industry collaboration, public engagement, and policy dialogue with an emphasis on the social and economic dimensions of responsible smart city development and innovative healthcare systems. Asieh’s contributions have been widely cited in academic, practitioner, and policy outputs, and her research has informed national and international governments and businesses. Her research on connected technology has been presented as both written and oral evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee at the request of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been featured in national and international press. She is widely published in academic peer-reviewed journals, the press, is a frequent speaker at academic and industry conferences, and has responded to a number of policy inquiries at national and international level. She is also the author of the book , which addresses multiple facets of the AI ecosystem, including data ethics, governance, and innovation. In collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Asieh co-designed the "Digital Adoption" module for the UK Government’s Help to Grow Management program, aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of SMEs. Asieh is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, a member of the ESRC Review College, the British Academy of Management Review College, and the Energy Institute UK. She also serves as an associate practitioner at Social Value International, an associate member of the Big Innovation Centre, and All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)- Artificial Intelligence. She is also a member of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence: Social and Digital Innovation at Brunel University of London. Currently, Asieh serves as the Impact Lead at the Brunel Centre for AI, where she leads the capability area in the Future of Work. Asieh earned her PhD in Economics and Finance (2008) and MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment (2015), both from 探花视频. She joined Brunel in 2020 after holding academic positions at Regent’s University London, where she also served as Director for the BSc Global Management (Finance Pathway). Prior to her academic career, she gained industry experience as a business analyst, further enriching her interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching.