What is FLAG?
The Future Lab Advisory Group (FLAG) oversees the partnership between Historic Buildings & Places and the University of Oxford, providing strategic guidance and critical insight to help shape the direction of Future Lab. It ensures the programme remains grounded, ambitious and aligned with its core purpose: to explore new approaches to research and practice across the historic built environment.
Independent, expert advice
FLAG brings together independent voices who offer both specialist knowledge and constructive challenge. Their role is to support Future Lab in strengthening innovation, enhancing credibility, and increasing impact across the heritage sector.
Through regular discussion and review, members help test ideas, refine approaches, and identify opportunities where research can translate into meaningful change for historic buildings and places.
Who are the FLAG members?
FLAG is chaired by Peter Aiers, Master and Chief Executive of the Charterhouse, London. Under his leadership, the group brings together a distinctive mix of expertise spanning academia and practice.
Members include leading academic specialists from the University of Oxford alongside key personnel from Historic Buildings & Places (HB&P) and the Heritage Innovation Laboratory Oxford (HILO). Together, they provide a rich blend of perspectives that strengthens the Future Lab partnership and ensures its work remains both rigorous and relevant.
Why FLAG matters
At its heart, FLAG helps ensure Future Lab is not only exploring new ideas, but doing so in ways that are robust, tested, and useful to the wider heritage sector. The group plays a vital role in connecting research ambition with real-world application, helping to shape outcomes that benefit historic buildings, places, and the communities that care for them.
Words by:
Christina Avramakis, HB&P Operations and Development Manager
