Dr Philip Seargeant is February’s OU Research Image of the Month

The Open University (OU) is spotlighting the winners of its inaugural research image competition throughout 2025. February’s accolade goes to Dr Philip Seargeant from the Faculty of WELS, an expert in sociolinguistics with a focus on political storytelling.

His winning entry, an illustrated ‘heritage map’, creatively captures his research on how narratives shape public understanding and political discourse. 

February’s winning image

“The image itself is a kind of illustrative ‘cultural map’ that aims to capture the essence of the region's rich heritage,” Philip said. “It highlights Bloomsbury’s connection to significant political, cultural, and social movements throughout history. We wanted the visual representation to provide an artistic yet accessible experience, demonstrating how diverse heritage can be understood through the streets of a city and the people—and ideas—that lived there.”

The research

Philip’s work delves into Bloomsbury’s radical past, contrasting the influence of elite noble families with the contributions of political radicals and reformers. “This juxtaposition is integral to understanding the heritage of these areas,” he noted.

The map was developed as part of a broader research project which critiques traditional heritage markers like blue plaques for overlooking marginalised stories and uses maps to elevate hidden narratives tied to movements such as women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery. He explained, “by mapping these hidden narratives, the research seeks to elevate voices often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.”

The map was created in collaboration with illustrator Emily Kaye, whose artistic style enhances its accessibility. “It’s more than just a map—it’s a tool to convey complex social and political histories in an engaging way,” Philip said.

Broader impact

The project aligns with The Open University’s Open Societal Challenges (OSC) platform, which aims to address societal issues through impactful research. Philip added: “The map serves as a cultural artefact that people can physically use to explore the area and connect with its stories,” he added. It sheds light on lesser-known aspects of history while linking seemingly unrelated events and ideas.

“Being selected as the Research Image of the Month for February is a meaningful recognition of the project’s significance,” Philip said. “It affirms the value of using visual communication to convey research insights and demonstrates how academic work can engage with and impact the wider world.” This acknowledgement has inspired Philip to develop more maps that tell unique stories about heritage and identity.

The OU Research Image competition is a university-wide competition celebrating research from across the organisation. The overall winner of the competition is Dr Margaret Ebubedike for her image of a young girl in Nigeria. Read more about her image and the research behind it on WELS News.