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Technology, Industry & Policy

Our research is broad-ranging and highly innovative; it provides many opportunities to work with industry and government. Several scientists currently benefit from joint funding with industry and government, and this provides unique opportunities to extend the impact of our research. We also work closely with policy organisations to ensure that our research results in concrete economic and societal benefit. See below for examples of ongoing activities, and feel free to contact Alison Roberts for more information.

Technology and Industry

  • ExploreDTIExploreDTI: Derek Jones, Alexander Leemans and colleagues have developed a freely available software package for undertaking imaging analyses of white matter tracks. This is now in use worldwide by over 350 laboratories. [ExploreDTI]
  • Integrated Brain Imaging and Stimulation: In collaboration with Welsh neuromedical companies Magstim and Dymed, Chris Chambers received funding from the Academic Expertise for Business (A4B) grant scheme to develop concurrent transcranical magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). This work is also supported via a KESS Studentship with Magstim; this scheme supports research training for students with companies in Wales. [more info]
  • Auditory distraction and flying: Findings from Rob Hughes, Bill Macken and Dylan Jones on auditory distraction have been significant impact on the design of auditory warning systems and other methods of communication on military flightdecks. These researchers collaborate with QinetiQ on this topic via joint workshops and meeting, and via industry-funded studentships.
  • Improving cost-effectiveness in Ministry of Defence training: John Patrick's work on coaching and leadership behaviours in instructors has lead to him collaborating with QinetiQ, as part of the Haldane-Spearman consortium, on improving the effectiveness of MoD training.
  • Pre-clinical modelling of psychosis: Dominic Dwyer is collaborating with Eli Lilly (using a CASE studentship) on the development of novel tasks to assess pleasure (which is reduced in many psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia).
  • Applying speech perception to hearing aid design: John Culling collaborates with Oticon and Phonak (hearing aid manufacturers) in applying a model of speech perception to hearing aid design. [pdf]
  • Crowds and movement: Simon Rushton works with Roke research and Siemens building technologies group on an INSTINCT project, "intelligent influencing of crowds". Or in simple terms how we could use sensor technology and psychology to optimise the movement of crowds of people.

Informing Policy and Politicians

  • Addiction in Parkinson's Disease: Work by Andrew Lawrence and colleagues on addiction to drugs commonly used in Parkinson's Disease has lead to changes in clinical practice and guidelines, including more help from charities for individuals affected by this disease. [MRC] [Parkinsons] [New Scientist] Welsh Assembly Government
  • Role of the Welsh language in Welsh national identity: Research by Russell Spears, Tony Manstead and Andrew Livingstone was used a part of the evidence drawn on by Margaret Wetherell in the briefing she gave to Tony Blair for his December 2006 speech on multiculturalism and extremism and formed part of a submission to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion. [BBC] [NewsWales] [WalesOnline] [pdf]
  • Wales Austism Research Centre: The establishment of the Wales Autism Research Centre (lead by Sue Leekham) in 2010 is a unique collaborative venture between academics, charity and government. The work on the centre will have a direct impact on the health and quality of life of individuals with ASD, and has a long-term goal of supporting better public policy making and improving public services for patient care. Recent press coverage includes Dave McGonigle's study on sensory symptoms in ASD supported by the Waterloo Foundation.[ITV] [Wales online] [BBC] [WARC]
  • "Older people on the move": Tom Freeman's work on ageing (funded by SPARC and Age Concern UK) has been showcased at a number of events attended by politicians, stakeholders and charities, including SPARC showcase event at Houses of Parliament and SPARC/OPAN-Cymru showcase event in Wales. [pdf]
  • Public perceptions of climate changePublic perceptions of climate change: Lorraine Whitmarsh and colleagues have shown that the public see issues to do with climate change as being exaggerated. This work has important implications for policy decisions related to the communication and discussion of climate changes. [BBC] [Guardian] [pdf]
  • Neglect as a risk factor for young homelessness: Katherine Shelton and colleagues recently identified indices of childhood adversity that appeared to be associated with an increased risk of homelessness in early adulthood. This work highlights opportunities for prevention that could have a direct impact on homelessness. [WesternMail] [pdf]