Beyond public engagement

University collections have unquestionably played a central role in the production of knowledge. They are valuable resources for studying the construction of traditions and identities, proving particularly interesting for understanding how universities have shaped societies. Furthermore, they have also been mobilised as cultural mediators to legitimise academic institutions and bring the results of their activities into the public sphere. As such, academic collections undoubtedly enable reflection on the complex relationships between heritage, knowledge, scholars, and the public. Given their i