The ethical display of ancestral human remains in museums remains deeply contested, balancing concerns about dignity and respect for past lives against the educational and scientific value of such collections. This article examines two participatory methods—a trial simulation and an interactive workshop—designed to create inclusive environments that support ethical decision-making within the museum sector. Using digital participation tools to enable anonymous engagement on sensitive topics, these activities allowed professionals and stakeholders to express diverse perspectives and identify key priorities for practice and policy. Findings from both methods highlight areas of ethical disagreement and consensus, contributing to a broader research project investigating values and polarisation around museum practices involving human remains. The study demonstrates how structured, inclusive engagement can illuminate complex ethical disputes and inform future approaches to contentious museum collections.
Francis E, Asker C, Tischler V. Testing ethical disagreement on ancestral human remains in museums. International Journal of Cultural Property. Published online 2026:1-10. doi:10.1017/S094073912610023X