Room; C3 Hall, Hall 1
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Welcome and Opening Remarks
The ICOFOM International Committee Day opens with a warm welcome and introductory remarks by ICOFOM Chair, Professor Karen Brown, setting the stage for a dynamic programme of dialogue and exchange. ICOFOM’s International Committee Day will include the General Assembly and an expert panel discussion, alongside four parallel sessions as part of the 48th Annual Symposium, entitled Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers. This symposium will critically explore current global practices in museum studies education and professional training. It will examine how theory and practice align in today’s museum sector, while addressing both ethical and practical challenges. These presentations will also complement the broader joint symposium, collaboratively organised by ICOFOM, ICTOP, and COMCOL. Through diverse presentations and discussions, the symposium will engage with five central themes: Museum Studies and the Curriculum; Museology; Diversifying Programmes and Practices; Collecting as an Act of Care; and Building Sector Capacity. We aim to foster robust dialogue among scholars, practitioners, educators, and students—addressing global and community-specific needs, diversity, decolonial methodologies, participatory collecting practices, and sustainable capacity building. The day will provide valuable insights and strategic conversations intended to shape sustainable and inclusive futures for all participants.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 1
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Expert Panel Discussion
The expert panel at ICOFOM’s International Committee Day brings together leading voices in museology and museum practice to critically reflect on the future of museum professionals in a rapidly evolving global context. Framed by the overarching symposium theme, Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers, this discussion will address pressing challenges in museum education, professional development, and sectoral transformation. Panellists will explore how museums can respond to issues of equity, ethics, and inclusivity, while rethinking the relationship between theory and practice. This session aims to spark meaningful dialogue and provoke new ways of thinking that will resonate throughout the day’s programme.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 1
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Parallel Session 1
Parallel Session 1 invited speakers will critically engage with the symposium’s five central themes: Museum Studies and the Curriculum; Museology; Diversifying Programmes and Practices; Collecting as an Act of Care; and Building Sector Capacity. These presentations will also complement the broader joint symposium, collaboratively organised by ICOFOM, ICTOP, and COMCOL. Through diverse case studies and critical discussion, Parallel Session 1 will foster dialogue among scholars, practitioners, educators, and students—addressing global and community-specific needs, diversity, decolonial methodologies, participatory collecting practices, and sustainable capacity building. A joint Q&A with the speakers will be held at the end of this parallel session.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 2
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Parallel Session 2
Parallel Session 2 invited speakers will critically engage with the symposium’s five central themes: Museum Studies and the Curriculum; Museology; Diversifying Programmes and Practices; Collecting as an Act of Care; and Building Sector Capacity. These presentations will also complement the broader joint symposium, collaboratively organised by ICOFOM, ICTOP, and COMCOL. Through diverse case studies and critical discussion, Parallel Session 2 will foster dialogue among scholars, practitioners, educators, and students—addressing global and community-specific needs, diversity, decolonial methodologies, participatory collecting practices, and sustainable capacity building. A joint Q&A with the speakers will be held at the end of this parallel session.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 3
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Parallel Session 3
Parallel Session 3 invited speakers will critically engage with the symposium’s five central themes: Museum Studies and the Curriculum; Museology; Diversifying Programmes and Practices; Collecting as an Act of Care; and Building Sector Capacity. These presentations will also complement the broader joint symposium, collaboratively organised by ICOFOM, ICTOP, and COMCOL. Through diverse case studies and critical discussion, Parallel Session 3 will foster dialogue among scholars, practitioners, educators, and students—addressing global and community-specific needs, diversity, decolonial methodologies, participatory collecting practices, and sustainable capacity building. A joint Q&A with the speakers will be held at the end of this parallel session.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 4
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Parallel Session 4
Parallel Session 4 invited speakers will critically engage with the symposium’s five central themes: Museum Studies and the Curriculum; Museology; Diversifying Programmes and Practices; Collecting as an Act of Care; and Building Sector Capacity. These presentations will also complement the broader joint symposium, collaboratively organised by ICOFOM, ICTOP, and COMCOL. Through diverse case studies and critical discussion, Parallel Session 4 will foster dialogue among scholars, practitioners, educators, and students—addressing global and community-specific needs, diversity, decolonial methodologies, participatory collecting practices, and sustainable capacity building. A joint Q&A with the speakers will be held at the end of this parallel session.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 2
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Annual Meeting of ICOFOM (International Committee for Museology)
The Annual Meeting of the International Committee for Museology (ICOFOM) brings together members from across the globe to reflect on the past year’s achievements and outline strategic priorities for the years ahead. Chaired by Professor Karen Elizabeth Brown (University of St Andrews, Scotland), with Vice-Chairs Dr Anna Leshchenko (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany) and Dr Marion Bertin (Avignon Université, Centre Norbert Elias, France), the meeting will also be supported by Treasurer Jamie Allan Brown (University of St Andrews, Scotland) and Secretary Lynn Maranda (Curator Emerita, Museum of Vancouver, Canada). The annual gathering provides a vital platform to discuss developments in museology, strengthen international collaboration, and shape the future direction of ICOFOM’s research, events, and publications. An election of the Board will also take place during the meeting.
Room; To be confirmed but within C3 Hall
Title: Annual Meeting of ICOFOM-ASPAC (International Committee for Museology – Asia-Pacific Regional Alliance)
Description:
The Annual Meeting of the ICOFOM-ASPAC Regional Alliance Asia-Pacific Board brings together leading museologists to discuss developments and priorities across the region. Chaired by Janet Siew Mooi TEE (former Director, Textile Museum Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), with Margaret Yi ZHENG (Fudan University) as Vice Chair, and Shin-Chieh TZENG (Tainan National University of the Arts) as General Secretary, the Alliance supports dialogue on the evolving roles of museums. ICOFOM-ASPAC has fostered collaboration around key themes, including museology, heritage protection, community engagement, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Room; C3 Hall, Hall 1
Title: ICOFOM 48th Annual Assembly – Imagining the Next Generation of Museum Professionals: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers – Closing Reflections: Towards the Future of Museology
Description:
This closing reflection session will bring together key insights and perspectives from the day’s discussions, offering a moment to reflect on the themes explored throughout the symposium. Participants will be invited to share takeaways, identify emerging ideas, and consider next steps for strengthening museum studies education and professional practice. It will also serve as a space to acknowledge shared challenges and celebrate collective progress toward a more inclusive and sustainable museum sector.
