Doing interdisciplinary research well is challenging but has great potential for innovation and insight, hence this call. I would like to highlight a couple of projects from the list that focus on areas I have had many conversations about with fellow researchers and that may therefore be of interest to colleagues, e.g. Jessica Ozan; Gayle Munro; Kully Kaur-Ballagan; Martin Wood; and others, I am sure.
GRASPING DATA: co-creating physicalisations to empower young children to interact with, understand, and benefit from their personal data
Led by Andrew Manches, The University of Edinburgh
Professor Andrew Manches from The University of Edinburgh will lead a project to change perceptions about children and their personal data through the creation of cutting-edge, child-centred tools and teaching practices. The project will work with 270 children aged three to eight in schools, Edinburgh Zoo and Glasgow Science Centre to construct physical representations of personal data that children can touch, explore, talk about and learn with. It will contribute knowledge to early learning, cognitive psychology, child-centred design, data ethics, data visualisation and computer science. The greatest impact of this project will be on children, who will be able to engage, enjoy and understand their data-saturated world better. It will give them greater confidence that they should and can play a role in the design of their future.
ANIMATING MINDS: triangulating the age-appropriate impact of children’s media
Led by Tim Smith, University of the Arts London
Professor Tim Smith from the University of the Arts London will lead a team across four research organisations to build an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict a video clip’s potential impact on children’s ability to learn, understand and develop self-control. The AI tool will be used by media creatives to check whether content is developmentally appropriate for their target audience, aiding in the creation of higher-quality content and allowing parents to make more informed decisions on content selection.
This project will specifically focus on the impact of children’s media on children aged three to six, a key stage in neurocognition development.
It will bring together a unique team of researchers from:
children’s animation practice
media theory
developmental psychology
neuroscience
AI
CHAILD: Children’s Agency In the age of AI: Leveraging InterDisciplinarity
Led by Nigel Shadbolt, University of Oxford
Today we're announcing the first projects funded from our new interdisciplinary scheme, and launching the second round of funding.
The UKRI cross research council responsive mode scheme is designed to break down silos and champion research that transcends, combines and significantly spans traditional discipline boundaries.
Professor Alison Park, UKRI CRCRM Champion and Deputy Executive Chair of ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council said: "The perspectives of different disciplines, working together in collaboration, are vital to solving some of the most pressing problems we face as a society.
"The projects announced today will drive progress across diverse fields by creating fresh approaches to research questions, methodologies and ways of working."
More on the projects funded in round one: https://lnkd.in/ehXYN86k
Round two details: https://lnkd.in/ePwNdRB2
And watch our page for more info on what we're looking for in round two, and how to write a good application.