Norwich University of the Arts Hosts AHRC in Celebrating Creative Technology Research

Norwich University of the Arts recently welcomed visitors from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), alongside representatives from leading institutions in creative technologies, industry and community partners for a celebration of creative research. Held at the University’s Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab (IVSL), the event highlighted the significant strides made in research and technological development through projects funded by the AHRC’s Creative Research Capability fund.

The day was opened by Tao Chang, Associate Director for Programmes (AHRC), who leads the strategic development of AHRC’s relatively new but growing research infrastructure programme. Tao detailed the development of the World-Class Labs and Creative Research Capabilities (CResCa) schemes and how Norwich became part of these programmes.

Prof. Louis Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford provided an overview of work done through the lab to visualise Norwich’s past present, and future, including simulating the effects of possible future flooding; Sarah Steed and Nina Swaddle introduced work engaging communities and industries in the region; and Andrew Farrell provided an historical overview of the Norfolk Broads and how the Broads Authority and Norwich are working collaboratively through the lab. The event also introduced the new Water Restoration partnership between the Broads Authority, Waveney Rivers Trust, and Norwich University of the Arts.

The IVSL was part-funded through a £780,000 AHRC grant and its development has played a pivotal role in the advancement of research and knowledge exchange at Norwich, being instrumental to the work of both the Institute for Creative Technologies and the Institute for Sustainable Worlds. The lab uses advanced creative technologies, to explore immersive experiences and develop new ways for audiences to engage with virtual environments, offering a unique platform for experimenting with new methods of seeing, experiencing, and making. Since its launch in October 2024, the lab has enabled the University to work with other sectors of the economy including environment, energy and healthcare

This investment will be further enhanced through its co-location with a new Virtual Production Studio at Havers Road, which will further enhance the university’s capacity to integrate research, education, and industry. Elements of the facility are available for commercial use and collaborative projects, presenting opportunities for fostering collaborations with regional, national, and international industries, academic institutions and communities.

The event also featured presentations from fellow funding recipients, the Royal College of Music’s Performance Laboratory, Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, and the University of the West of England’s Centre For Print Research. Through hosting this event, the University hopes to support the AHRC in building a community of researchers, developing a network for future partnerships and creating space for the sharing of knowledge and expertise.