The UCD School of Information and Communication Studies (ICS) is now accepting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focusing on AI and Heritage Futures: Preservation, Creation, and Regulation of Evolutionary Heritage from Digitalised to Born-digital. This prestigious opportunity supports an emerging researcher interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital heritage, cultural preservation, and policy development.

The position is offered under the supervision of Dr. Sun Park, an Ad Astra Fellow and Assistant Professor specialising in AI and Digital Cultural Heritage at University College Dublin.

Key Details

University: University College Dublin
School: Information and Communication Studies (ICS)
Supervisor: Dr. Sun Park
Start Date: 18 May 2026
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
Interview Dates: 19–20 February 2026 (conducted online)
Position Type: Full-time, 100% PhD studentship
Duration: Renewable for up to 4 years

Funding and Benefits

The studentship includes:

• Annual stipend: €25,000
• Annual research costs: €4,000 (tax-free)
• Tuition fees: Fully waived by the School of Information and Communication Studies
• Priority access to school-funded travel grants and research expense opportunities

Eligibility: Open to both EU and non-EU applicants. Candidates must meet UCD’s standard entry requirements.

Overview of the Research Area

This PhD project explores the future of cultural heritage in an age where AI is increasingly involved in creating, interpreting, and preserving cultural objects. Heritage traditionally includes material artefacts, intangible traditions, and cultural knowledge. As technology evolves, heritage has expanded to include digital twins, computational reconstructions, and born-digital artefacts such as AI-generated works.

This studentship addresses the growing need to understand:

• How AI can preserve cultural heritage
• How AI-generated content itself becomes heritage
• How policy frameworks should evolve to govern digital and AI-driven heritage contexts

The selected candidate will design and complete their own research project within this thematic area.

Suggested PhD Research Topics

Applicants may pursue one of the following themes or propose their own topic:

1. AI Technologies for Digitalised Heritage

Focus: Applying AI tools to digitise existing heritage assets while maintaining authenticity.
Possible areas include:

• Computer Vision
• Natural Language Processing
• Data visualisation
• Digital twins and heritage information systems
  Ideal background: Computer Science, Information Science, AI/HCI, or related technical fields.

2. AI-Generated Works as Born-Digital Heritage

Focus: Analysing the cultural, social, or technological value of AI-generated works.
Ideal background: Information Science, AI/HCI, Anthropology, Sociology, Media Studies, Heritage Studies.

3. AI-Heritage Policy Alignment

Focus: Understanding and harmonising AI policy with cultural heritage policy and GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) standards.
Ideal background: Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Politics, GLAM Studies.

Applicants are encouraged to build on, modify, or propose alternative topics that integrate AI with heritage studies.

Candidate Expectations

The selected candidate will:

• Complete and defend a PhD thesis in the relevant research area
• Work closely with the supervisor on collaborative research outputs
• Participate in UCD and ICS seminars, workshops, and events
• Complete 30 ECTS credits as part of UCD’s structured PhD programme
• Engage in teaching and tutor training during the course of study

Required Skills and Profile

Technical-Focused Projects

• Strong programming skills
• Experience or willingness to learn quantitative research methods
• Ability to incorporate qualitative methods

Interdisciplinary Projects

• No technical background required
• Willingness to learn technical methods if needed
• Strong qualitative research skills or willingness to acquire them

Non-Technical Projects

• Proficiency in qualitative research methods such as:
  • Ethnography
  • Policy analysis
  • Case studies
  • Discourse analysis

Additional requirements:

• Strong command of English (C1 or C2 recommended)
• A Master’s degree (2:1 or equivalent GPA) in a relevant field
• Excellent organisational skills
• Applications encouraged from women and people of colour

About the Supervisor: Dr. Sun Park

Dr. Sun Park specialises in AI and Digital Cultural Heritage. Her work examines:

• The cultural value of AI-generated works
• Human-AI interaction in creativity
• AI policy in relation to heritage

Her professional experience includes roles at UNESCO, the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding.

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

1. Curriculum Vitae
   (education, skills, publications, referees)
2. Cover Letter (max 1,000 words)
   Explaining your motivation and suitability
3. PhD Project Outline (max 1,500 words)
   Including research topic, questions, aims, methods, and expected outcomes
4. Academic transcripts
5. Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers)
6. Submission via UCD’s online portal
   Application fee: €70
   Programme Code: W139

Application Portal: here.

Additional Programme Information:

Contact for Queries:

Email Dr. Sun Park at email

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