Mind and Material in the Middle Ages
This research cluster aims to foster interdisciplinary research on the Middle Ages. The interests and work of its members encompass history, archaeology and material culture, literature, languages, music and manuscript studies. In addition to its own intrinsic interest, the medieval period provides a valuable perspective on modern Ireland, Europe and the wider world, both in terms of the presence of medieval elements in popular culture and the exploitation of the medieval past in contemporary political discourse and identity building. The group seeks to harness expertise in various aspects of the Middle Ages across multiple disciplines and to support collaborative initiatives in this area across the Faculty and University, with a particular focus on Irish cultural heritage and digital humanities. It will support initiatives for research projects and funding to strengthen the medievalist profile of Maynooth University and it can provide expertise and advice for teaching and programme initiatives in Medieval Studies.