Historian
Introducing JC Niala, an award-winning historian whose passion for the past has led to explorations in the realms of museums, science, and global history. With a deep-seated enthusiasm for the convening power of collections, JC bases herself in museums and libraries which have harnessed the potential of artefacts and books to unveil profound insights into our world
One of JC Niala’s strengths lies in collaborative efforts, working with researchers and communities across continents, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Europe. She also engages with living collections and urban flora and her research emphasises the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature throughout history. This interdisciplinary approach has enabled JC to unravel the intricate threads of knowledge production in science, medicine, and technology.
JC also works on metrology in South Asia to illuminate the profound effects of measurement systems on societies and cultures. In addition, her dedication to global histories extends to her research on African narratives, notably the impactful stories emerging from the crucible of the First World War.
Whether you are a fellow history enthusiast, a student eager to learn, or someone simply curious about the world's complex and interconnected past, you are invited to explore the pages of this website.
JC explores the historical significance of urban allotments during times of national crisis, engages with allotments and guerrilla gardening through academic publications and notably received the Social History Society's Public History Prize in 2022 for her '1918 Allotment' project in Oxford.
JC tells Afrikan histories through innovative mediums such as the Afro Historyscapes podcast, which explores Afrikan histories through objects at the Horniman Museum. She also delves into specific narratives, like the experiences of African soldiers in World War I and the remarkable lives of African women.
JC, a historian and anthropologist, currently serves as the Head of Research, Teaching, and Collections at the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. With a background in curating African Art & Ethnographic collections, her diverse career in museums spans collaborative projects across Europe and Africa, emphasising community involvement, egalitarian archiving practices, and fostering transformative relationships with collections.
JC’s diverse academic publications cover Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Museum Studies, Theatre Studies, and Utopian Studies, exploring themes such as community contribution in East African archaeology, the social impacts of WW1 in Africa, and collaborative practices for African collections access. Her work also delves into urban gardening's role in materializing utopic spaces and the health-promoting aspect of UK urban allotments during COVID-19, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to research.