Impact Survey 2025: Building Lasting Connections and Sector Change

TheMuseumsLab doesn’t end when the fellowship does. The October 2025 impact survey offers insight into how TheMuseumsLab continues to shape the work, networks, and collaborations of its alumni and partner museums across Africa and Europe. Drawing on responses from both groups, the survey highlights changes in institutional practice, professional development, and ongoing collaborations.

Among partner museum representatives who responded, 97% report that staff gained new knowledge and perspectives through the programme. Many also note practical effects within their institutions: 78% note changes to institutional practices or policies, and 63% have developed collaborations through the network.

Professional connections also appear to endure beyond the programme: All respondents remain in contact with Fellows they hosted, underlining the programme’s role in fostering durable professional relationships and ongoing exchange. A large majority expect long-term effects and recognise TheMuseumsLab’s positive impact on the museum sector in their countries.

Findings from the alumni survey reinforce this picture. Among alumni respondents from earlier cohorts, 84% report career advancement and 82% say participation influenced their leadership style and institutional approach. Alumni continue to shape museum practice through collaborations (76%), exhibition development (61%), and long-term partnerships (63%), while many are invited to speak, teach, mentor, or serve in advisory roles. Respondents frequently describe adopting more collaborative, inclusive, and globally informed approaches to museum work.

Across both surveys, international networking and sustained exchange emerge as the programme’s most valuable outcomes. TheMuseumsLab is widely recognised as a catalyst for institutional learning, professional growth, and cross-continental cooperation, contributing to long-term transformation in the museum sector.

We warmly thank all partner museum representatives and alumni who shared their insights. Your responses are invaluable in helping us understand and communicate the programme’s impact and further develop and improve the programme.