Reimagining University Museums A Reflexive History of Museum Practice in Science University Museums in Chile

<p dir="ltr">This thesis critically examines the roles and practices of science university museums in Chile, focusing on the histories of the Museum of Chemistry and Pharmacy Dr César Leyton Garavagno at the Universidad de Chile and the Museum of Embryo-foetology Dr Jaime Pereda Tapiol at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile. Situated at the crossroads of Cultural Studies, Critical Heritage Studies, Museum Studies and Cultural History, the research comprehensively analyses these museums as cultural and academic organisations within higher education institutions.</p><p dir="ltr">Through an in-depth exploration of these museums' histories and practices, this thesis sheds light on the complexities and challenges these institutions faced as they adapted within and beyond their parent organisations. The analysis demonstrates how these museums have played a pivotal role in shaping scientific identities and academic knowledge while simultaneously navigating the operational and cultural challenges accompanying such transformations. By interpreting their emergence and development as processes of heritagisation, the thesis reveals these university museums as fragile cultural instruments for constructing disciplinary genealogies and preserving knowledge as a legacy for future generations. By examining the interactions between human and non-human elements, this research highlights the individual and social impacts that influence their evolution and pave the way for their future. The thesis improved our comprehension of university museums' political and ethical challenges by examining agency from this perspective.</p><p dir="ltr">Finally, the thesis calls for a conceptual and practical reconfiguration of science university museums, urging them to transcend their roles as mere custodians of objects. By embracing the practices of heritagisation, these institutions can foster greater community engagement, embrace contemporary stewardship of collections, enhance their relevance within the modern academic context, and contribute meaningfully to broader societal discourse. The study challenges the traditional role of university museums as static storage spaces for assumed inherently valuable objects, suggesting instead the concept of university museums as heritagisation workshops. This reimagined role emphasises the active construction, interpretation, and communication of heritage, transforming these museums into dynamic spaces that engage academic communities and the public. Ultimately, the thesis has significant implications for university museum policy and practice, offering a roadmap for future research on science and other academic disciplinary museums and future development in this field in Chile.</p>