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In the fast changing era of digital technology this cluster's research impacts upon audiences locally and internationally. Through experimental films and videos, interactive media and performances its outputs engage and challenges audiences in cinemas, galleries and on the worldwide web. As well as galvanizing public consciousness on climate change (Franny Armstrong) and engendering greater understanding of synaesthesia (Sam Moore), a significant dimension to the impact focuses upon the transition from analogue to digital technology. While the moving image and performance work (Guy Sherwin and Paul Harrison) also expands the boundaries of moving image technology in the spatialised context of galleries.
The work of the MTP research group can evidence significant impact upon the field of applied arts practice, industry, public audiences and education through material and process related innovations leading to formal and conceptual advances and their application in social contexts. Exemplary work by Cummings has brought the technique of glass casting into the main stream of studio glass practice; Heeney has reformed industrial working practices concerning traditional cutting boxes and soda-firing for use in architectural scale work; Brennand-Wood has reformed cultural perceptions of ornament through the reinterpretation of textile ornament in the context of cultural and political commentary.
There are an increasing numbers of people living into very old age. At the same time there is a drive to enable people to live within their own homes for as long as possible. Consequently, health and social care services that previously would have experienced very few people with dementia now have this as part of their core function. Yet there is no tradition in these services of supporting people with dementia and there are many reports of inadequate care. For example, Valleley reports that over half of people living in extra-care housing with dementia were admitted to other care settings during the first two years due to challenging behaviour, conflicts with staff and other residents, and distress on the part of the person with dementia.i Similarly, hospital patients with acute and chronic medical conditions concomitant with dementia are consistently reported to experience poorer quality outcomes than patients with similar conditions without dementia.ii The research described below has had significant benefits for those living with dementia both in extra-care housing and in hospital settings, primarily at the national level but also internationally. It has enhanced quality of life for individuals living with dementia, improved the practice of professionals working with people with dementia and had economic benefits.
The University was the first adopter of the Direct Metal Laser Sintering/Melting (DMLS/M) technology in the UK resulting in significant research and knowledge transfer activities in the UK and globally. The University has and continues to be a catalyst in technology introduction for 5 out of the 10 UK companies that use this technology. This accounts for £2.5M of capital investment within the UK and is currently the largest concentration of this technology worldwide. Research has involved process optimisation, analytical simulation, materials development (including MMCs) with UK and international partners. Application research engagement has been in Automotive (including F1), Aerospace, Medical and Jewellery sectors.
The Food Dudes scheme devised by the Bangor Food and Activity Research Unit has produced large and lasting increases in children's consumption of fruit and vegetables. More than 500,000 4- to 11-year-old children have participated, in European countries and the US, with funding of more than £20m for research, evaluation, and rollout. Given the major public health challenge of increasing children's consumption of fruit and vegetables (often their least-liked foods), in order to reduce potential risk of future obesity or illnesses including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers, our unique combination of behaviour change principles -- including Role Modelling, Rewards, and Repeated Tasting -- has achieved significant success.
Our research into learning through digital technologies has increased the focus on the importance of learning processes and context. The research developed new models of strategic evaluation and learning framework analyses as well as a new concept of MEGAcognition. These have shaped the development, customisation and implementation of more appropriate digital educational resources, nationally and internationally. Our research has involved and influenced key national and international companies and groups. Its users have been policy makers and developers, as well as teachers and pupils in primary and secondary schools. The research has: 1) influenced policy and practice developments nationally and internationally (in UK government departments and the e-strategy agency, and in five major resource development companies and corporations with international reach); 2) increased awareness of and engagement in learning opportunities (in four local authorities); 3) built capacity (in three resource development companies and projects); 4) offered insights into ways to develop, refine and customise educational products for specific audiences (in six resource development companies and local authorities); 5) raised awareness and understanding of educational concepts to non-academic audiences nationally and internationally (through 35 public and private seminars and keynote sessions to national and international audiences); 6) raised awareness of learning and pedagogical practices (in six major resource development companies and corporations).
Childhood obesity is an increasing problem in the UK with roughly one in seven school aged children in Scotland and England being classified as obese. The picture is similar in Wales where the prevalence is one in eight. The direct cost of obesity to the NHS is estimated to be £4.2bn a year, with this set to rise if the causes of childhood obesity are not addressed. The contribution of the research described below to tackling this issue is manifold: it has enabled the development and improvement of child health interventions/programmes; it has allowed commissioners and programme leads to make more informed decisions about investment in these interventions/programmes; and it has contributed to the development of regional healthy weight strategies and national guidelines on weight management.
The research portfolio of the Construction Management Group included construction law and management of legal relationships for performing construction contracts. Outputs in this area of research have included peer-reviewed papers, textbooks and online newsletters. Through this research construction industry organisations have improved the effectiveness of their workplace practices with respect to contract management and dispute resolution. The work has also stimulated and informed practitioner debates on contentious matters concerning contract provisions and new legislation. Such debates have resulted in some changes to legal frameworks or decisions to consult on such changes.
Research at King's has had a direct influence on the perceived value of workforce planning in the Department of Health and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) and has resulted in its use in relation to pharmacists. Building on long-term research, King's academics developed a model to predict the demand for and supply of pharmacists in the UK over a five and ten year period. These findings changed thinking in the Department of Health and the RPSGB in 2006, and underpinned a change in UK policy. A national policy decision was taken to support the opening and accreditation of up to eight new university Schools of Pharmacy to help to address the anticipated shortfall in the supply of pharmacists predicted by the research.
The types of impact highlighted in this case study are: improved effectiveness of workplace practices in relation to health and safety management, time management and collaborative working; development of resources to enhance professional practice; stimulation of practitioner debate on the impact of new legislation on criminal liability for poor management of health and safety; and improvement in turnover of SMEs through ICT adoption. The mechanisms by which the impact was achieved were KTPs, membership of relevant industry panels and organisation of relevant workshops, CPD events and similar events aimed at practitioners.