Meet the first recipients of the Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies scholarships

The institute was launched and will be seed funded for the first three years thanks to a transformative gift from Marc Carena, who graduated with an MA in Classical Archaeology from Birkbeck this year. He met with Birkbeck’s archaeology team last month to learn more about the institute’s major research initiatives, teaching innovation and public engagement. He said: “I was deeply impressed by the remarkable progress achieved in just two-and-a-half months since the institute’s foundation. It was a privilege to have a preview of Esther Breithoff’s powerful exhibition Ecologies of Violence and to hear about the inspiring plans presented by the passionate team.”

Professor Matthew Davies, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “The Carena Institute represents the very best of what Birkbeck stands for - innovation, inclusion and impact. These scholarships are not only opening doors for talented students but also helping to shape a new kind of archaeology, one that’s rooted in sustainability, justice and community engagement. It’s wonderful to see Marc’s generosity already transforming lives and enriching our academic community.”

We spoke to the three inaugural scholars — Manon-Lucie Clifton-Lavers, Conor Murtagh and Magda Park — about their journeys into archaeology, what the scholarship means to them and how they hope to make a difference.

What inspired you to choose Birkbeck for your postgraduate studies, and how did you first hear about the Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeology?

Manon-Lucie: I work full-time as a typesetter and business manager in traditional print. When a colleague left to do a master’s, I realised how much I wanted to study too, but I thought it wasn’t possible while working. Then I discovered Birkbeck offered part-time evening study which could fit around my life. I applied on a bit of a whim, and after speaking with Prof Jen Baird, the institute’s director, she encouraged me to apply for a scholarship.

Conor: After school I did an apprenticeship in digital marketing and worked for several years. I then moved into research administration at King’s College Hospital, where I still work full-time. Birkbeck’s evening teaching model felt like the only option for me to study for my own development. I didn’t want to study with the Open University because I prefer learning in a group. I started my BA in Classical Studies in 2021 and took a couple of archaeology modules, which I found really interesting. I knew I wanted to do a post-grad but funding it was a bit up-in-the-air for me until I found out about the scholarship through Prof Jen Baird.

Magda: I first studied at Birkbeck many years ago when I lived in London and worked full-time in retail. The evening classes made it possible for me to do my undergraduate degree in history alongside work. Coming back now feels like returning to a community where I belong. I hadn’t actually heard of the Carena Institute before applying, but when I spoke with Prof Jen Baird about my interest in local archaeology, she thought I was a good fit for the scholarship.

Why did you decide to pursue the MA in Archaeology and Heritage, and what aspects of the course are you most excited about? Is there a personal experience or turning point that sparked your passion for archaeology and heritage?

Manon-Lucie: I grew up in the south of France in an old Roman town where ruins were part of daily life. I even performed dance recitals in the Roman amphitheatre as a child. My best friend’s mother was a Roman historian, and being around her deepened my fascination. Later, writing my historical novel about the cult of Mithras re-ignited my love for archaeology and made me want to pursue it more seriously. I was torn between Classical Civilisation and Archaeology and Heritage, but in the end it was the focus on everyday life that drew me in. I’m also really excited about opportunities for fieldwork, whether abroad or here in London.

Conor: My dissertation was on the destruction of Palmyra and Dura-Europos in Syria, and it made me want to explore heritage in conflict zones — how monuments are destroyed, looted or politicised - and what that means for communities. It showed me how heritage is caught up in modern conflict. I’m very interested in conflict archaeology.

Magda: Over time living in Hertfordshire, I became fascinated by the archaeology around me, especially the important Roman site in Baldock. I started going to local archaeology lectures by Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews, a museum curator and Heritage Access Officer. When I heard about potential developments on historic land in Baldock, I knew I wanted to be involved in excavation work there.

At first, I applied thinking it would be something fun just for me. But once I started, I realised how much bigger archaeology is — sustainability, heritage, politics. I’m excited about excavation work, but also museum and archive work.

What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

Manon-Lucie: As a 25-year-old living in London without family financial support, I didn’t think an MA was even possible. The scholarship gives me breathing room, and, more importantly, it gave me confidence.

Conor: With a mortgage and cost-of-living pressures, I couldn’t see how I could afford the fees. I probably would have had to delay for a year or two. The scholarship has given me the chance to keep going now, without that worry hanging over me.

Magda: It takes the pressure off. Without it, I would have had to borrow money and worry about paying it back while working full-time to support my family. Now I can think about reducing my workload when it comes to writing my dissertation and really enjoy the course. At the same time, it makes me feel I have to give back and do well.

How do you hope your work in archaeology and heritage will make a difference — whether in communities, in research, or in the wider world?

Manon-Lucie: I want to use archaeology as a force for good. That might mean community work or research that challenges exploitative or colonial practices. I’m passionate about sustainability and about not letting archaeology reinforce racist or xenophobic narratives. Longer term, I could see myself working with charities or even in policy, trying to ensure heritage is used for positive change.

Conor: I’d like to do a PhD and eventually teach, but I’m also interested in working with UNESCO or the UN on heritage protection. I’m fascinated by how heritage can be a unifying force after conflict — it’s not just about destruction, it’s about how monuments and sites can help rebuild fractured communities.

Magda: I’d like to work with local historical societies and authorities to bring community-centred archaeology to life. It’s important that people feel connected to their local heritage and can take part in preserving it.

If you could say something to those who make scholarships like this possible, what would it be?

Manon-Lucie: I’m deeply grateful — not just for the financial support but also for the message this scholarship sends. It’s breaking the mould of traditional archaeology, showing that sustainability and community matter. I admire that someone in a position to help chose to support students like me, and I hope the impact continues to grow as more people benefit from it.

Conor: It’s the first of its kind and it’s come at such an important time. Heritage is at the centre of so many political and cultural debates and it’s great to be able to study the conflict, community and ecological side of things. I think it’s an extremely important institute and I’m very glad that Marc has decided to found it.

Magda: A huge thank you. I feel humbled and privileged to have received this support, which will allow me to focus on making the most of the opportunity. I hope I can give something back in return through the work I do during and after my studies.