ALICE CUSAN

Biography

I am a PhD researcher and tutor at the University of Aberdeen. 

My current ethnographic research focuses on how Italian museums curate and care for human remains on display and visitors' responses.

I completed my Master's in Anthropology at Ca' Foscari-University of Venice in 2019 (2018 Academic Year). Grounded on my fieldwork in Australia while studying at the Australian National University (ANU), my dissertation discussed the repatriation of human remains from the University of Edinburgh to South Australia. 

After graduation, I spent six months as an Intern at the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at ANU, researching Italian Collections holding Ancestral human remains. This experience led to the design of my current project at the University of Aberdeen.

Prizes and Awards

2024

• Development Trust Fieldwork Fund

2023

• Friends of the Aberdeen University Library Bursary
• Development Trust Fieldwork Fund
• Museum Ethnographers Group Bursary

2022

• Santander Mobility Award

2018

• Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Award

Research Overview

Unpacking The Collection: Ethnographic Research Exploring How Italian Museums Care For And Curate Human Remains.

This research interrogates the perspectives and practices inherent in the care and curation of human remains within the realm of Italian Museums. It endeavors to unveil visitors' perceptions of human remains and the impact of both visitors’ and curators' perspectives on the multifaceted ethical and cultural considerations entwined with the display of human remains in museum settings.

Central to this study is the exploration of how death is curated within Italian museums examines ethical considerations that surface in the display and interpretation of human remains in public spaces, and considers the emerging concept of care.

I conduct multi-sited ethnographic research at the University of Padua's Museum Morgagni of Human Anatomy and Museum of Nature and Humankind. By focusing on the concept of care of human remains within museum settings, this study investigates how museum curators deal with human remains and adopt strategies of care to overcome the ambiguities in national policies. Also, I research visitors' approaches and behaviors toward the presence of death on display to understand how these could inform the development of nuanced policies and comprehensive guidance regarding the display of human remains in Italian museums.

By investigating the practices and perceptions surrounding the care and curation of human remains in Italian museums, this research endeavors to catalyze the development of ethical guidelines and foster informed decision-making processes within the museum sector. By illuminating the complexities inherent in presenting sensitive material to the public, while simultaneously honoring the dignity and cultural significance of the deceased, this study seeks to engender a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ethical imperatives guiding museum practices.

Teaching Responsibilities

Since 2022, I have been a teaching assistant for the School of Social Science in the following courses:

Politics And International Relations:

• PI1518 
• PI2009

Introduction to Anthropology:

• AT1003
• AT1502

Introduction to Sociology:

• SO1509