On 11 April 2025 the University of Liverpool had the pleasure of hosting the ICOMOS-UK symposium 'Heritage in Transition: Skills and Approaches for Sustainability', with the support of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
ICOMOS-UK is the UK National Committee of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). At an international level, ICOMOS develops best practice in the conservation and management of cultural sites, and has a special role as adviser to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on cultural World Heritage sites.
The event explored how we can sustainably adapt and retrofit heritage buildings to improve energy efficiency, enhance thermal comfort, and meet affordability needs while preserving their heritage values.
Bringing together academics, policymakers, practitioners, and emerging professionals, united by a shared mission to rethink the future of heritage, delegates were invited to participate in:
- expert-led discussions featuring international, national, and local case studies demonstrating successful solutions and addressing ongoing challenges
- interactive panel sessions highlighting gaps in skills and education required for sustainable heritage management
- networking opportunities for collaborative knowledge exchange
- a heritage walking tour led by Charlotte Cheadle, MA in Sustainable Heritage Management
Professor Katie Atkinson presents at ICOMOS
The day also featured key presentations from many UoL staff including Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Director of the Heritage Institute; Dr Ataa Alsalloum, Senior Lecturer in Architecture & Urban Heritage and Professor Katie Atkinson, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research.
Dr Alsalloum who also co-organised the event said: “I was especially proud to see so many of my current and former students from the MA in Sustainable Heritage Management in attendance — and even prouder to know that all of our alumni present are now fully employed in the field. That alone made the day incredibly rewarding. Together, we explored big questions that sit at the heart of heritage and climate action.
“Thank you to everyone who made the day so meaningful and fruitful. Let’s keep the momentum going!”