IROC Independent Research Organization Consortium AHRC

Our Strategic Framework for Research (2022-27) lays out our vision to deliver internationally recognised research that provides the knowledge and evidence needed to protect and care for the nation’s heritage and to make it accessible to all.

We focus on research that helps the Trust deliver its strategic ambition, and our strategic research areas are:

1. Climate Action

We will be a net zero carbon organisation by 2030 and increasingly resilient and adaptable to climate change. Our research will identify the best ways to help our places adapt to future climates, and to restore and create carbon-rich habitats.

2. Everyone Welcome

We will better reflect the changing communities we serve. Our research will shape how we help people to connect with nature and culture, increase the number and diversity of our visitors, and address unequal access to nature, beauty and history.

3. Looking After

We will care for places and give them a sustainable future. Our research will help inform the decisions we take for conservation of the landscapes, buildings and objects in our care.

4. Land and Nature

We will improve the state of nature in the UK. Our research will help us understand what actions make the biggest difference to nature and create more joined up landscapes for wildlife. It will drive the best ways to revive and restore our woodlands, wildflower meadows and waterways.

5. Curation and Experiences

We will make sure our places keep evolving, attracting people and inspiring them. Our research will uncover hidden histories and help people connect to our places and enjoy their stories, so we can celebrate the glorious diversity of our heritage, culture and natural environment.

We collaborate with a wide range of universities and other organisations and usually have 40+ collaborative PhD student working with us at any time. We also have a successful track record in securing research funding for a wide range of projects.

We are leading an AHRC RICHeS award, Material History: Hosting a cross section of National Trust properties and collections, and co-lead on a number of other UKRI funded projects, including RENEW (Renewing biodiversity with a people in nature approach) funded by NERC and led by the University of Exeter; and Historic Houses, Global Crossroads: Unlocking Material Culture, Environmental Connections & Cultural Value at Two UK Historic Houses and Estates funded by the AHRC and led by the University of Birmingham.

We’re also a partner on many exciting projects, including Jewish Country Houses led by the University of Oxford; ‘Private’ Spaces for Public Benefit?, led by the V&A; and Henry VIII on Tour: Landscape, Communities and Performance led by Historic Royal Palaces; as well as others across conservation, the historic environment, nature and science.