XR Network+ : Virtual Production in the Digital Economy
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Electronics
Abstract
XR Network+ Virtual Production in the Digital Economy will provide a ten-year research agenda for content creation and consumption. XR Network+ is founded on research collaboration, co-creation and challenge-led innovation, and designed from the ground up to build a community of academic research and industry R&D at the convergence of ideas, technologies, and creative practice in Virtual Production (VP) to deliver impact and opportunity for the whole of the digital economy.
Virtual Production (VP) is an emergent area of multi-disciplinary activity encompassing the wider application of digital creativity techniques and technologies across many domains. It is changing the landscape of technology-driven storytelling, media, film and television content production workflows, live and immersive experiences, both large and small scale. The UK screen industries sector is currently investing heavily in traditional studio infrastructure, with demand for production space currently outstripping supply. However, compact, flexible and technology-driven VP facilities will help to shape the future of these and other studios, their production practices, the content they make and hence the audiences that consume this content. This change is based on how a new generation of real-time technologies (motion capture, spatial computing, data, AI, machine learning, volumetric capture, haptics, real-time rendering, immersive XR and responsive media) offer, for the first time, the promise of integrating production processes and workflows from initial concept through to final result.
XR Network+ will build on the success of the AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Programme (CICP) and the significant interest that has emerged from these projects in supporting R&D in XR (eXtended Reality) technologies as it converges with VP. The CICP demonstrates how leading universities can act as anchors at the centre of geographical/sectoral creative industries clusters and use their research capacity and expertise for the benefit of their SMEs, bringing opportunities for place-based growth, and economic, social and cultural impact. XR Network+ will land at a critical point, during the final year of the CICP and as a number of significant VP investments come online, offering a short window of opportunity to harness connections and capabilities. XR Network+ builds a bridge between five current CICP projects and will leverage other core UKRI, local government and industry investment. It will drive a community-led programme of complementary VP research and innovation to unlock the potential of content creation and consumption for the whole of the digital economy and related sectors.
Research challenges co-created with project partners at application include: VP Integration of virtual game worlds and physical content; sound design in VP contexts; building VP environments, characters and objects; issues of ethics and IP in the use of digital assets and data; AI and data-driven automation; translation and impact in the digital economy.
XR Network+ activities will be built across five stages corresponding to the five years of the project (1) Engage; (2) Explore; (3) Challenge; (4) Respond; (5) Report and Renew. An Annual Networking and Showcase event will provide a key point of dissemination for each stage of activity. Feasibility funding will support a potential range of research activities based on best practice from the five CICP projects: a Creative Bridge programme for early career researchers; a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Model; small grant funding; challenge funding; portfolio building; and commissioned research to evaluate the project and build a roadmap for future activity.
XR Network+ is important and timely in terms of the significant current interest and investment in VP and the need to coordinate the UK's research base alongside industry and regional investments to provide a pathway for next stage investment and growth at a national level.
Virtual Production (VP) is an emergent area of multi-disciplinary activity encompassing the wider application of digital creativity techniques and technologies across many domains. It is changing the landscape of technology-driven storytelling, media, film and television content production workflows, live and immersive experiences, both large and small scale. The UK screen industries sector is currently investing heavily in traditional studio infrastructure, with demand for production space currently outstripping supply. However, compact, flexible and technology-driven VP facilities will help to shape the future of these and other studios, their production practices, the content they make and hence the audiences that consume this content. This change is based on how a new generation of real-time technologies (motion capture, spatial computing, data, AI, machine learning, volumetric capture, haptics, real-time rendering, immersive XR and responsive media) offer, for the first time, the promise of integrating production processes and workflows from initial concept through to final result.
XR Network+ will build on the success of the AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Programme (CICP) and the significant interest that has emerged from these projects in supporting R&D in XR (eXtended Reality) technologies as it converges with VP. The CICP demonstrates how leading universities can act as anchors at the centre of geographical/sectoral creative industries clusters and use their research capacity and expertise for the benefit of their SMEs, bringing opportunities for place-based growth, and economic, social and cultural impact. XR Network+ will land at a critical point, during the final year of the CICP and as a number of significant VP investments come online, offering a short window of opportunity to harness connections and capabilities. XR Network+ builds a bridge between five current CICP projects and will leverage other core UKRI, local government and industry investment. It will drive a community-led programme of complementary VP research and innovation to unlock the potential of content creation and consumption for the whole of the digital economy and related sectors.
Research challenges co-created with project partners at application include: VP Integration of virtual game worlds and physical content; sound design in VP contexts; building VP environments, characters and objects; issues of ethics and IP in the use of digital assets and data; AI and data-driven automation; translation and impact in the digital economy.
XR Network+ activities will be built across five stages corresponding to the five years of the project (1) Engage; (2) Explore; (3) Challenge; (4) Respond; (5) Report and Renew. An Annual Networking and Showcase event will provide a key point of dissemination for each stage of activity. Feasibility funding will support a potential range of research activities based on best practice from the five CICP projects: a Creative Bridge programme for early career researchers; a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Model; small grant funding; challenge funding; portfolio building; and commissioned research to evaluate the project and build a roadmap for future activity.
XR Network+ is important and timely in terms of the significant current interest and investment in VP and the need to coordinate the UK's research base alongside industry and regional investments to provide a pathway for next stage investment and growth at a national level.
Organisations
- University of York (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Surrey (Collaboration)
- University of York (Collaboration)
- Victoria and Albert Museum (Collaboration)
- RETìníZE Limited (Collaboration)
- ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY (Collaboration)
- University for the Creative Arts (Collaboration)
- Goldsmiths, University of London (Collaboration)
- Leeds Beckett University (Collaboration)
- British Film Institute (BFI) (Collaboration)
- Bournemouth University (Collaboration)
- University of Bath (Collaboration)
- ABERTAY UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- CARDIFF UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Teesside University (Collaboration)
- ULSTER UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- DIGITAL CATAPULT (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE (Collaboration)
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Collaboration)
- KING'S COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- University of Portsmouth (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS (Collaboration)
- Horniman Museum and Gardens (Collaboration)
- Edinburgh Napier University (Collaboration)
- XR Games Limited (Collaboration)
- Numerion Software Limited (Collaboration)
- ITV PLC (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (Collaboration)
- London South Bank University (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- HUMAIN Limited (Collaboration)
- Screen Yorkshire (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Northern Ireland Screen (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Holition (Collaboration)
- University of the Arts London (Collaboration)
- Foster and Partners (Collaboration)
- Royal College of Art (Collaboration)
- Taunt Studios (Project Partner)
- Arup Group (Project Partner)
- Black Goblin (Project Partner)
- Numerion Software Ltd (Project Partner)
- Pittswood (Project Partner)
- Prox and Reverie (Project Partner)
- Reflex Arc (Project Partner)
- Bumpybox Ltd (Project Partner)
- CodeBase Ltd (Project Partner)
- Abertay University (Project Partner)
- Retinize (Project Partner)
- British Film Institute (Project Partner)
- Victoria and Albert Museum (Project Partner)
- Game Republic (Project Partner)
- Humain Ltd (Project Partner)
- Digital Catapult (Project Partner)
- Enter Yes Studio Ltd (Project Partner)
- Cloth Cat Animation Ltd (Project Partner)
- Holition Ltd (Project Partner)
- ISO Design (Project Partner)
- Promod Esports (Project Partner)
- Small and Clever Productions (Project Partner)
- Happy Finish (Project Partner)
- City Hall Belfast (Project Partner)
- Production Park Ltd (Project Partner)
Publications
Alexander B
(2025)
The Future of Retail and Service Design
Liu Y
(2024)
A convex Kullback-Leibler optimization for semi-supervised few-shot learning
in Computer Vision and Image Understanding
Liu Y
(2024)
Few-shot learning with representative global prototype.
in Neural networks : the official journal of the International Neural Network Society
Sun Y
(2024)
Executing realistic earthquake simulations in unreal engine with material calibration
in Computers & Graphics
| Title | FINELINE Immersive - FINELINE VR prototype |
| Description | A high-fidelity, functional Virtual Reality prototype that demonstrates the concept of VR circus performance to potential early adopters and diverse audiences. The prototype features five scenes from the live performance, integrating volumetric video, motion capture content and 360-video of live performance with generative AI environments. Users can engage closely with the performers, and navigate scenes at their own pace using virtual buttons to move into and out of a central hub space. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | By developing this novel concept for an innovative digital product, Lumo Company has digitally transformed its business model, previously focused on live performances. Once the final product is ready, the company will be in a good position to enter new markets (e.g. film industry, XR market) and capitalise on untapped revenue streams. The project has effectively showcased the potential of XR technologies in revolutionising the performing arts landscape. This innovative approach not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting robust sets and props but also presents a more cost-effective alternative to traditional touring methods. The project was showcased in Oulo, Finland (May 2024), and then demonstrated at the Manchester Metropolitan University Storytellers and Machine Conference (July 2024). |
| URL | https://www.lumocompany.com/vr-fineline |
| Title | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio - Otmo Live |
| Description | A collaboration between Alexander Whitley Dance Company and Tanz Karlsruhe, Germany, this unique event connected dancers in each location using the Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer technology, who performed a duet despite being geographically separated. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Requests for further information. |
| URL | https://digital-body.com/otmo-live/ |
| Description | Contribution to the Northern Creative Corridors Workshop: Innovation |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.thersa.org/press/releases/2023/11/grand-coalition-formed-to-create-a-northern-creative-c... |
| Description | Contribution to: Creative Industries Sector Vision: A joint plan to drive growth, build talent and develop skills, Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by Command of His Majesty June 2023 CP 863 |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Impact | This data in part contributed to securing funding for the CoSTAR programme that will, for the first time, provide researchers, companies and institutions across the UK with the infrastructure they need to conduct world-class research and development (R&D) in screen and performance technology. CoSTAR will support the design, development and creation of state-of-the-art facilities, resources and expertise to underpin the long-term competitiveness of the UK's screen and performance sectors. Established with £75.6 million of funding and delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the CoSTAR national network comprises a National Lab, three Network Labs and a Foresight Lab and was announced alongside the government's Creative Industries Sector Vision in June 2023. It is funded through UK Research and Innovation's Infrastructure Fund, which supports the facilities, equipment and resources that are essential for researchers and innovators to do groundbreaking work. The CoSTAR network includes: CoSTAR National Lab; CoSTAR Live Lab; CoSTAR Realtime Lab; CoSTAR Screen Lab; CoSTAR Foresight Lab |
| URL | https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1162... |
| Description | Submission of Evidence to "Scaling up - AI and creative tech" House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8502/scaling-up-ai-and-creative-tech/ |
| Description | Submission to Government's Copyright and AI Consultation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/copyright-and-artificial-intelligence/copyright-and-arti... |
| Description | Submission to Government's Industrial Strategy green paper |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/invest-2035-the-uks-modern-industrial-strategy |
| Description | ALL-VP: AI-Powered Lighting in Live Virtual Production (FB) |
| Amount | £1,099,842 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants (DG) |
| Amount | £21,098 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NLPG-00759300 |
| Organisation | Arts Council England |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Description | BFI Early Development Fund (DG) |
| Amount | £4,328 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Film Institute (BFI) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2024 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | CoSTAR Live Lab |
| Amount | £4,523,531 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | AH/Y001079/1 |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 03/2029 |
| Title | Accurate calibration of building materials in game engines for earthquake simulations |
| Description | Development of a high-fidelity earthquake simulation environment for virtual production based on unreal engine. The Material Calibration Bridge is an innovative deep learning-based algorithm designed to balance computational efficiency and accuracy in earthquake simulation. Our approach first utilizes scientific simulation software (such as ANSYS) to model material fracture behavior under real-world testing conditions. The Material Calibration Bridge then learns these fracture patterns and transfers this knowledge into Unreal Engine, leveraging the game engine's physics system to achieve high-fidelity real-time simulations. By integrating AI-driven calibration, this method significantly enhances the accuracy of material behavior in game engines, making earthquake simulation as intuitive as game development. It enables game developers and designers to engage in accurate seismic modeling without the need for extensive engineering expertise. The calibrated materials can be saved and reused, allowing for efficient and scalable simulation workflows. This approach has garnered significant interest from industry professionals and emergency response specialists due to its potential applications in real-time disaster response training and virtual production. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The Material Calibration Bridge enables researchers to achieve simulation results in game engines that closely match those from scientific computation software, while significantly improving computational efficiency. This advancement allows real-time, high-fidelity earthquake simulations within game engines without the need for precomputed data, benefiting applications in gaming, virtual production, and scientific simulation. Beyond earthquake modelling, this method also provides a scalable solution for simulating other natural disasters, such as wildfire propagation, tsunami dynamics, and windstorm effects, broadening its impact across multiple disciplines and industries. |
| Title | FINELINE VR |
| Description | VR Prototype to explore the pros and cons of different forms of performance capture. An experience which demonstrated Volumetric capture, Motion Capture, 360 video and generative AI as tools for re-presenting a live circus show. This experience was then used as the basis for audience interviews to discover reactions to various capture technologies. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | LUMO company now has a greater understanding of how they might create a VR performance. VIP Studio added this work to their portfolio. |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/clas/departments/culturalmediaandvisualstudies/research/vip-studio/case... |
| Title | Skybox AI Unity integration workflow |
| Description | Virtual Production workflow. Generating virtual environments using Skybox AI software and integrating this into Unity project. Method available to all VIP studio users and collaborators, who can be trained to use the workflow. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Integration into development of other creative products |
| Description | Cardiff University (Co-Investigator) |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PI Contribution | The Principal Investigator for the XR Network+ project is based at University of York. The XR Network+ project support team is also based at York and manage day-to-day project delivery. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Cardiff University is a Co-Investigator on the XR Network+ project team. As well as helping to make decisions at Executive Board meetings and Industry Advisory meetings, they have hosted a roadshow event and also given talks at other project events. |
| Impact | Hosted an XR Network+ roadshow event and been a panel speaker at other project events which has helped to raise awareness of the project and associated research themes and also to encourage applications to the project's funding schemes. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Challenge Partner round 1 (Royal Shakespeare Company) |
| Organisation | Royal Shakespeare Company |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ recruited Royal Shakespeare Company as a collaborator for the XR Network+ R&D Challenge. As well as managing the funding call and selection process for projects that will be funded under the R&D Challenge scheme, XR Network+ Creative Producer is providing support to the delivery of the awarded projects through regular catch up meetings. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff at the RSC have provided time in the design of the XR Network+ R&D Challenge funding opportunity and have given invited talks at XR Network+ project events to raise awareness of the funding opportunity, contributed to the promotion and marketing of the initiative, and encouraged applications. Staff at the RSC have been involved in the application selection process, providing decision-making criteria, and have helped with the delivery of the funded projects through regular catch ups with the project teams, for example by providing guidance on prototyping and appropriate frameworks for user testing. Also contributing Intellectual Property and technology where possible to assist the funded project teams. A member of staff from the RSC also sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | Two projects have received subawards from the EPSRC XR Network+ grant to deliver two R&D projects under the XR Network+ Challenge round 1 programme. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 1 Subaward AI Composure (University of York) |
| Organisation | University of York |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between the University of York and a Manchester-based television facility, dock10 called the 'AI Composure' project. The project tackled a major challenge for VP - simulating realistic light-interactions in multi-camera green screen studios. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery teams. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The AI composure project was a collaboration between the University of York and dock10. The project explored an entirely new approach for VP practice in the form of an AI-powered compositing pipeline that seeks to remove constraints on current light interactions in green-screen productions. The project team developed a system to simulate bi-directional light interactions between physical actors and the virtual environment in multi-camera virtual studios, without the need for expensive LED walls. The project set the foundations for novel AI-powered compositing techniques that ultimately will be applicable in real-time, making them suitable for live or 'as live' productions. |
| Impact | The key outcome of this embedded R&D grant for dock10 is the strategic and technological partnership with University of York to facilitate cutting-edge AI research with direct application in dock10's virtual production facilities. Research outputs included synthetic data generation engine that can simulate real-world footage recorded in green-screen studios and decompose volumetric and surface characteristics, a synthetic training data set, a new neural network architecture and training pipeline for scene relighting and new research funding for extending R&D activity. Improved virtual studio capabilities and best practices for cross-reality media production. The project produced proof-of-concept footage and proprietary software for AI models, training and synthetic data generation. Further Funding: £1.8m of internal investment and external funding towards extension of collaborative R&D https://www.dock10.co.uk/about/news/dock10-university-of-york-2le-media-secure-funding-from-innovate-uks-bridge-ai-programme/. New partnerships: The resulting BridgeAI project has seen the addition of a production SME partner (2LE Media) and a tight integration of UKRI's deliver of AI-focused research across key sectors. Recognition: AI Composure got shortlisted for Broadcast Tech Awards 2024. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 1 Subaward Exploring immersive storytelling for avatars in Realtime gaming (University for the Creative Arts) |
| Organisation | University for the Creative Arts |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University for the Creative Arts and SKC Games Studio for a project called "Exploring immersive storytelling for avatars in Realtime gaming: human data capture for AI-driven non-playable character engagement in games" to explore immersive content creation for video games. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery teams. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The "Exploring immersive storytelling for avatars in Realtime gaming" project was a collaboration between University for the Creative Arts and SKC Games Studio. The project team used state-of-the-art AI to develop a system that produces real-time performance for both in-game player and AI-driven NPC (non-player character) avatars. The outputs from the project were used to create real-time virtual characters for a chapter of SKC's interactive role-playing video game, Project UN - Taradene. |
| Impact | The collaboration brought together SKC games programmers and UCA researchers and students to build links between academia and industry and develop a knowledge-transfer model. UCA students developed performance capture and games production skills in a real-world setting and SKC programmers gained access to world-leading research on AI algorithms. Engagement activities - XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzmbuZApBOI&t=12s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 1 Subaward Photoreal CG Asset Acquisition for AI-Enhanced Feature Films (University of Portsmouth) |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Portsmouth and Dark Cosmos Creative for a project to transform the process of capturing photorealistic assets for the film production pipeline. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Photoreal CG Asset Acquisition for AI-Enhanced Feature Films' project was a collaboration between University of Portsmouth and Dark Cosmos Creative. The academic team created multiple images of real-world objects and environments that were processed to generate 3D models to capture fine details. The developed assets were then integrated into an AI-enhanced VP pipeline for a real film. Filmmakers at DCC used AI-driven tools to create effects that would previously be unattainable within such a timeframe or price point. The project combined creative expertise with advanced research in AI and VP to redefine the possibilities of content creation. |
| Impact | Creation of a MetaHuman version of one of the University of Portsmouth academics that is now being used in Undergraduate and Postgraduate teaching. Multiple research papers in development concerning methodologies, and strategic and ethical implications of the application of approaches to AI's utilisation. Research paper(s) on strategic alignment of Universities with Creative Business partners. Range of assets produced for a feature film "ZOMB-JJ" (https://www.zombjj.com/). Engagement activities: XR Network+ Online seminar which is available in YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB1AROlTXyI&t=59s) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 1 Subaward The Development and Full Integration of VP Pipelines Adapted for Theatre Affordances (Ulster University) |
| Organisation | Ulster University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Ulster University and Prime Cut Productions that designed a Virtual Production (VP) pipeline and digital resources tailored for use by theatre practitioners. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The "Development and Full Integration of VP Pipelines Adapted for Theatre Affordances" project was a collaboration between Ulster University and Prime Cut Productions. The project team designed a Virtual Production (VP) pipeline and digital resources tailored for use by theatre practitioners and developed a framework of animation principles to animate and present a non-human character to a theatre audience. |
| Impact | The Ulster University team is currently working 3 potential publications focusing on: translation of languages between animation, games, and theatre; Development of character design and animation principles for theatre affordances (potentially linked to VR); the development of the VP pipeline tailored for theatre. The team will also be presenting findings at academic conferences and Festivals. PrimeCut have been able to use the project's development as a platform to seek further funding and to present their performance at different venues. Engagement Activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka45b8A3B0Q&t=7s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 1 Subaward Toward 'RealTime' Made In Code (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between UAL's Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT), EPCC University of Edinburgh and Numerion Software for a project called 'Toward 'RealTime' Made In Code' that explored the power of supercomputing to create believable, interactive, real-time virtual garments for use on Virtual Production (VP) projects. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery teams. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Toward 'RealTime' Made In Code' project was a collaboration UAL's Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) and Numerion Software. The project team used Numerion's Carbon software to render a complex theatrical garment as a proof of concept for Virtual Production. The project team worked through variations of the garment in movement, adjusting different aspects to test simulation and rendering performance alongside aesthetic evaluation. Through this process the team developed an enhanced understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the application of different digital textile qualities alongside software applications. The research has established a benchmark for current capability in the field and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the use of supercomputing to move closer to real time rendition. |
| Impact | The prototyping work will be included in a report in development from UAL FTTI 2024 /25. The R&D is informing further research funding proposal development work. Fully developed partnership with EPCC and key staff members to further development of real-time rendering via supercomputing capability. This partnership has already resulted in one further funding bid. Engagement activities - Delivered an XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrGBDOkjajg&t=10s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 A Natural Language Interface for Directing Virtual Character Performances (Cardiff University) |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Cardiff University and Sugar Creative to develop a natural language interface for directing virtual character performances. As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'A Natural Language Interface for Directing Virtual Character Performances' project is a collaboration between Cardiff University and Sugar Creative and experts from Bournemouth University, Buckinghamshire New University and Media Cymru Innovation Space. The project team aims to develop a system that will help direct virtual character performances by interpreting a director's spoken or written instructions regarding desired emotions, facial expressions and lip movements, and map this input in real-time to control the facial animations of a virtual character. The research and development undertaken as part of this project will bridge the gap between virtual and traditional production techniques for directors accustomed to working with live action. The interface will democratise the virtual production process by enabling directors with ambitious creative ideas to engage in projects without needing a full team of animators or live actors. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Accessible hybrid performances (The Horniman Museum) |
| Organisation | Horniman Museum and Gardens |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of the Arts London, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Nissen Richards Studio to develop two case studies that will use volumetric capture to exhibit culturally-specific performances within museums. The project builds upon the prototype created for the team's earlier XR Network+ supported project 'Charged Objects of Performance' which was funded under the PIA round 1 programme, As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Accessible hybrid performances' project is a collaboration between University of the Arts London, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Nissen Richards Studio which will develop two case-studies which will look to the future of 3D performance within museum exhibitions, exploring how to democratise access to the use of volumetric capture in order to bring performance into an exhibition space. |
| Impact | None yet as project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Accessible hybrid performances (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of the Arts London, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Nissen Richards Studio to develop two case studies that will use volumetric capture to exhibit culturally-specific performances within museums. The project builds upon the prototype created for the team's earlier XR Network+ supported project 'Charged Objects of Performance' which was funded under the PIA round 1 programme, As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Accessible hybrid performances' project is a collaboration between University of the Arts London, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Nissen Richards Studio which will develop two case-studies which will look to the future of 3D performance within museum exhibitions, exploring how to democratise access to the use of volumetric capture in order to bring performance into an exhibition space. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Development of a High-Fidelity Earthquake Simulation Environment for Virtual Production Based on Unreal Engine (Foster+Partners) |
| Organisation | Foster and Partners |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Royal College of Art, UNSW Sydney, and Foster + Partners to develop highly-efficient earthquake simulators. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Development of a High-Fidelity Earthquake Simulation Environment for Virtual Production Based on Unreal Engine' project is a collaboration between Royal College of Art, UNSW Sydney, and Foster + Partners. Building on the project teams' previous research which used scientific physical simulation engines with game engines to create an improved earthquake simulation, the project team is expanding on this work by building an enhanced Unreal Engine-based earthquake simulation for virtual production. The team will also organise workshops in both the UK and Sydney, gathering insight from government, academia, emergency response units, the private sector and members of the public to feed back into the design, development, and evaluation of the platform. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Development of a High-Fidelity Earthquake Simulation Environment for Virtual Production Based on Unreal Engine (Royal College of Art) |
| Organisation | Royal College of Art |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Royal College of Art, UNSW Sydney, and Foster + Partners to develop highly-efficient earthquake simulators. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Development of a High-Fidelity Earthquake Simulation Environment for Virtual Production Based on Unreal Engine' project is a collaboration between Royal College of Art, UNSW Sydney, and Foster + Partners. Building on the project teams' previous research which used scientific physical simulation engines with game engines to create an improved earthquake simulation, the project team is expanding on this work by building an enhanced Unreal Engine-based earthquake simulation for virtual production. The team will also organise workshops in both the UK and Sydney, gathering insight from government, academia, emergency response units, the private sector and members of the public to feed back into the design, development, and evaluation of the platform. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Enhancing Data Compatibility, Aggregation, and Validation in Virtual Production Workflows (Cardiff University) |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Cardiff University and Painting Practice to develop a data management approach to facilitate a seamless exchange between Virtual Production (VP) pipeline stages and accommodate the requirements of physical shooting tailored to VP workflows. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Enhancing Data Compatibility, Aggregation, and Validation in Virtual Production Workflows' project is a collaboration between Cardiff University and Painting Practice to analyse the data requirements of different parts of a Virtual Production pipeline (e.g. game engines, motion capture systems, and visual effects (VFX) tools) and identify compatibility gaps data completeness issues, and the need for additional data for physical shooting with the aim of designing a unified data format and development of techniques to extract and compute necessary data for physical shooting from game engine data. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Remote Collaborative Networking Tools for Virtual Dance Creation (Goldsmiths University of London) |
| Organisation | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Goldsmiths University of London and Alexander Whitley Dance Company to build on the work of their project funded under the XR Network+ PIA round 1 funding programme in 2023/2024. As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Remote Collaborative Networking Tools for Virtual Dance Creation project is a collaboration between Goldsmiths University of London and Alexander Whitley Dance Company. Building on the work build on the work of their project funded under the XR Network+ PIA round 1 funding programme in 2023/2024, the team will further develop their prototype, which integrates Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer (GMS) with AWDC's 'Otmo' software, with the aim of developing Otmo so that it can support live motion capture user-input. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 StyleCap (Retinize Limited) |
| Organisation | RETìníZE Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Edinburgh and Retinize to investigate the use of natural language prompts to style the movements of virtual characters animated through sparse motion capture data in real-time, increasing access and creative freedom through responsive control and experimentation. As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'StyleCap' project is a collaboration between University of Edinburgh and Retinize to develop, test and integrate new machine learning models within a 3D animation production pipeline app, Animotive.The project team will focus on natural language for adjusting style in real time. Researchers will investigate what supervised machine learning methods and data labelling strategies are effective in producing adjustments to motion capture data that convey qualitative characteristics in 3D characters. The team will undertake user testing to explore how the results of these methods are perceived by animators. The collaboration will also explore how the models developed might be implemented in a system for real time animation to increase experimentation and produce a more satisfying creative experience. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 StyleCap (University of Edinburgh) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Edinburgh and Retinize to investigate the use of natural language prompts to style the movements of virtual characters animated through sparse motion capture data in real-time, increasing access and creative freedom through responsive control and experimentation. As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'StyleCap' project is a collaboration between University of Edinburgh and Retinize to develop, test and integrate new machine learning models within a 3D animation production pipeline app, Animotive.The project team will focus on natural language for adjusting style in real time. Researchers will investigate what supervised machine learning methods and data labelling strategies are effective in producing adjustments to motion capture data that convey qualitative characteristics in 3D characters. The team will undertake user testing to explore how the results of these methods are perceived by animators. The collaboration will also explore how the models developed might be implemented in a system for real time animation to increase experimentation and produce a more satisfying creative experience. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Embedded R&D round 2 Terra Datum (Northumbria University) |
| Organisation | Northumbria University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Embedded R&D grants round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Northumbria University, Target 3D Ltd and Advanced Media Production (PROTO) to explore sustainable virtual production by measuring the computational intensity and energy cost of key production methods. As well as grant funding, the project benefits from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Terra Datum' project is a collaboration between Northumbria University, Target 3D Ltd and Advanced Media Production (PROTO). Working from the Advanced Media Production PROTO studio in Gateshead, the project will examine the amount, location and expense of VP computation using a variety of data monitoring tools. This data will be fed back into a virtual (public) artwork, Terra Datum, that uses real-time energy data from the studio to animate photogrammetry and lidar scans of the local energy infrastructure. The collaboration will make data-focused policy recommendations to augment existing carbon calculators by suggesting the addition of a 'compute' section to Albert's blueprint for carbon neutral production. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (Cardiff University) |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from Cardiff University to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A Cardiff University representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (University of Edinburgh) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from University of Edinburgh to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Edinburgh representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (University of Leeds) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from University of Leeds to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Leeds representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (University of Surrey) |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from University of Surrey to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Surrey representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from University of the Arts London to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A University of the Arts London representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Industry Advisory Board (XR Games Limited) |
| Organisation | XR Games Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from XR Games to Chair the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | An XR Games representative is Chairperson to the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | PIA Round 1 Subaward Digital Materialism and How Gen Z are Building Pathways to XR and VP Acceptance (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of the Arts London and M-XR to explore how extended reality (XR) can be used to support growth and innovation in the fashion and retail industry. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Digital Materialism and How Gen Z are Building Pathways to XR and VP Acceptance' project was a collaboration between University of the Arts London and M-XR. The project focused on the Gen Z demographic to examine how enhanced realism can improve engagement with XR and Virtual Production (VP) technologies. The study revealed that digital textiles need to be seen in motion to enhance realism in XR environments. Light reflection, relevance to body and identity, and the material simulated were also critical elements for realism. Participants also reported that the experience of product realism to be significantly better on desktop and AR compared to VR or MR platforms. |
| Impact | Findings integrated into MA Fashion Marketing unit "Advanced Applied Strategy" (20 credits). Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqFcySPBeg |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA Round 1 Subaward Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio (Goldsmiths, University of London) |
| Organisation | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Goldsmiths, University of London and the Alexander Whitley Dance Company (AWDC) to create a tool for remote digital-dance composition, collaboration and creation. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley Dance Company' project was a collaboration between Goldsmiths, University of London and Alexander Whitley Dance Company. The project successfully integrated two existing pieces of software - the Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley Dance Company's 'Otmo' - to create a single, easy-to-use tool for effective remote digital-dance composition, collaboration and creation. The new software enables choreographers to work remotely with dancers in a direct and responsive mode, live-linking studio spaces without the need for highly specialised set-up. It addresses the lack of accessible and user-friendly creative tools for working with motion captured movement. |
| Impact | The project outcomes were showcased in an XR Network+ online webinar and at BEYOND 2024 (https://beyondconference.org/) including a live performance and a space in the Immersive Futures Lab where attendees could create their own unique performance. The The mocap streamer version.4 is on Github with README. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward Charged Objects of Performance: Amplifying Materiality, Movement, and Interaction through XR (The Horniman Museum) |
| Organisation | Horniman Museum and Gardens |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of the Arts London (UAL), Nissen Richards Studio, The Horniman Museum, Border Crossings' ORIGINS Festival to explore the use of extended reality technologies to affect public understanding of under-represented cultures. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Charged Objects of Performance project was a collaboration between University of the Arts London (UAL), Nissen Richards Studio, The Horniman Museum, Border Crossings' ORIGINS Festival. The project team worked with Yoruba and Pan-African diaspora artists in London to co-create prototype hybrid production methods for digitising the movement of Yoruba performance. The collaboration used volumetric capture technologies to amplify the materiality and movement in a real, richly costumed and fast-moving Yorbura performance. |
| Impact | "The resulting prototype serves as a digital asset that can be used as part of interpretive storytelling around cultural knowledge and values to present an authentic, immersive experience for museum audiences. The project team is now planning the next phase of their research - to produce a digital, public performance at the Horniman museum in collaboration with Yoruba co-creators. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqFcySPBeg" XR Network+ roadshow event at UAL February 2025 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xr-network-roadshow-at-university-of-the-arts-london-ual-tickets-1086830953639 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward Charged Objects of Performance: Amplifying Materiality, Movement, and Interaction through XR (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of the Arts London (UAL), Nissen Richards Studio, The Horniman Museum, Border Crossings' ORIGINS Festival to explore the use of extended reality technologies to affect public understanding of under-represented cultures. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Charged Objects of Performance project was a collaboration between University of the Arts London (UAL), Nissen Richards Studio, The Horniman Museum, Border Crossings' ORIGINS Festival. The project team worked with Yoruba and Pan-African diaspora artists in London to co-create prototype hybrid production methods for digitising the movement of Yoruba performance. The collaboration used volumetric capture technologies to amplify the materiality and movement in a real, richly costumed and fast-moving Yorbura performance. |
| Impact | The resulting prototype serves as a digital asset that can be used as part of interpretive storytelling around cultural knowledge and values to present an authentic, immersive experience for museum audiences. The project team is now planning the next phase of their research - to produce a digital, public performance at the Horniman museum in collaboration with Yoruba co-creators. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqFcySPBeg |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward FINELINE Immersive (Commercialisation partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University) |
| Organisation | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| Department | Centre for Enterprise |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Nottingham and Lumo Company to create a prototype for live performance that combines contemporary circus and eXtended Reality (XR) technologies. Staff from Manchester Metropolitan University were also involved in the project team. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The FINELINE Immersive project was a collaboration between University of Nottingham and Lumo Company. The project team blended motion capture, volumetric capture, and 360-video technologies to create a 20 minute virtual reality (VR) performance that situates contemporary circus in unexpected settings, offering audiences an innovative and immersive experience. Staff from Manchester Metropolitan University led and contributed to the project team's funding applications. |
| Impact | Development of an immersive experience where participants are fully immersed in five live-performance scenes including a thrilling high-wire performance above an ocean and acrobats undertaking captivating climbs in a futuristic cityscape. With users able to interact with performers that appear just inches away, the prototype challenges traditional audience-performer dynamics. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWzc63eDTuU&t=1s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward FINELINE Immersive (University of Nottingham) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Nottingham and Lumo Company to create a prototype for live performance that combines contemporary circus and eXtended Reality (XR) technologies. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The FINELINE Immersive project was a collaboration between University of Nottingham and Lumo Company. The project team blended motion capture, volumetric capture, and 360-video technologies to create a 20 minute virtual reality (VR) performance that situates contemporary circus in unexpected settings, offering audiences an innovative and immersive experience. |
| Impact | Development of an immersive experience where participants are fully immersed in five live-performance scenes including a thrilling high-wire performance above an ocean and acrobats undertaking captivating climbs in a futuristic cityscape. With users able to interact with performers that appear just inches away, the prototype challenges traditional audience-performer dynamics. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWzc63eDTuU&t=1s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward Hybridising the Tabletop (University of Nottingham) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between University of Nottingham and tabletop Role-Playing Games company, Twisted Narrative, to investigate gameplay experience in a mixed physical and virtual environment. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Hybridising the Tabletop project was a collaboration between University of Nottingham and tabletop Role-Playing Games company, Twisted Narrative. The collaboration established that existing remote play tools were not fit for hybrid round table interactions. Remote players had difficulty 'fitting in', understanding table layouts and following the conversation with limited camera options. The project team developed a new platform for round table interactions that addressed these issues. |
| Impact | The outputs of this collaboration have responded to the real-world needs of tabletop role playing games, enabling players who had previously been unable to participate due to social, geographical or accessibility reasons the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of gameplay. Twisted Narrative is planning to use the new platform to engage with their community of thousands of game players around the world. A research paper is currently being developed. The project also has wider implications for using a hybrid system in other round-table interactions. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online webinar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWzc63eDTuU |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward Performing Non-Human Characters in Live Mixed-Reality Performance (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) |
| Organisation | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London (CSSD) and three industry experts (freelancers) to explore how Virtual Production (VP) technologies can be used to empower actors working in immersive, mixed-reality performance. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Performing Non-Human Characters in Live Mixed-Reality Performance project was a collaboration between The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London (CSSD) and three industry experts (freelancers). The collaboration accelerated the development of a mixed-reality immersive performance, ShapeShifter. The piece features a live actor embodying a non-binary, shapeshifting nature spirit who ventures into the digital realm to explore the wonders of biodiversity and challenge our ideas of what it means to be 'natural'. |
| Impact | Research and development undertaken as part of this project has helped to advance the creative vision of the production. It has provided all team members with hands-on experience in XR technologies and software workflows and has contributed to work that the creative partners have undertaken with other industry members. The work has also contributed to teaching at the CSSD, helping to introduce new skills and creative techniques to future creative professionals. The work on this project led to a collaboration with the VIP studio at Nottingham, for R&D around the multiplayer audience experience. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available in YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzmbuZApBOI&t=14s . |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 1 subaward Sound Design pipeline for cross-platform 360 virtual productions (Edinburgh Napier University) |
| Organisation | Edinburgh Napier University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and immersive audio experts, VRTONUNG, to develop a pipeline for sound design in 360 virtual productions. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Sound Design pipeline for cross-platform 360 virtual productions' project was a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and VRTONUNG. The collaboration formalised a pipeline to edit 360 video content to a standard 16:9 widescreen version with downmixed binaural audio (converting audio taken from multiple channels into a single stereo output). |
| Impact | The project work addressed a major industry issue relating to the cropping of 360 videos to resize content for different platforms, such as TV or mobile. The project explored a first step towards defining an industry pipeline for spatial audio production in 360 video across multiple platforms. The research team also undertook a listening study to investigate how variations in audio elements within the refined videos impact upon user behaviour, engagement, and immersive experiences. Engagement activities: XR Network+ online seminar which is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsCWuYmkm0E&t=1s |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production (Bournemouth University) |
| Organisation | Bournemouth University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV to explore the integration of subtitle data into media production workflows to drive viewer engagement, enhance accessibility, and create new revenue streams. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production' is a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV. This project will explore how subtitle data, with its rich contextual and timing information, can offer more than just accessibility benefits, presenting new opportunities to enrich content. |
| Impact | No outputs to report yet as project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production (ITV) |
| Organisation | ITV plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV to explore the integration of subtitle data into media production workflows to drive viewer engagement, enhance accessibility, and create new revenue streams. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production' is a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV. This project will explore how subtitle data, with its rich contextual and timing information, can offer more than just accessibility benefits, presenting new opportunities to enrich content. |
| Impact | No outputs to report yet as project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production (University of Dundee) |
| Organisation | University of Dundee |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV to explore the integration of subtitle data into media production workflows to drive viewer engagement, enhance accessibility, and create new revenue streams. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Exploring Subtitle Data for Interactive Experiences in Virtual Production' is a collaboration between Bournemouth University, University of Dundee and ITV. This project will explore how subtitle data, with its rich contextual and timing information, can offer more than just accessibility benefits, presenting new opportunities to enrich content. |
| Impact | No outputs to report yet as project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Haptic Enhancements to Live Theatre and Virtual Production Environments (Abertay University) |
| Organisation | Abertay University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Abertay University and Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT) that will blend traditional theatre with a transmedia sensory experience for audiences using virtual production (VP) technologies. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Haptic enhancements to Live Theatre and VP environments' project is a collaboration between Abertay University and Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT). The collaboration will use Abertay University's Teslasuits, virtual production and motion capture facilities to develop a unique haptic-suit experience designed and crafted for a short, well-known theatre scene. SYT will produce, direct and enact the chosen scene which will be created in a real-world environment where a theatrical director will set up the stage. This stage will then be re-created in Unreal Engine, where actors and their actions will be tracked. |
| Impact | No outputs yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Investigating Full Body Interactions within Public Spaces for XR Exhibition (Teesside University) |
| Organisation | Teesside University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between Teesside University, two Artists and an immersive technology developer to develop an interactive art experience that will explore North Shield's heritage through immersive storytelling. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Investigating Full Body Interactions within Public Spaces for XR Exhibition project is a collaboration between Teesside University, two Artists and an immersive technology developer. The project will create an interactive art experience will invite the audience to explore what it means to be a hydro citizen (how people live in their communities and environments in relation to water). Narratives of the North Sea fishing industries collected from local fishermen will be evoked through audience interaction as the site-specific experience unfolds. |
| Impact | No outputs yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | PIA round 2 subaward Unlocking 3D Digital Practice in Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Performance (University of the Arts London) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Through a competitive funding programme called XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 2, the XR Network+ project supported a collaboration between London College of Fashion (LFC), live virtual events makers, Copper Candle, a digital designer, and undergraduate students from BA Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Performance at LCF. The project will address a knowledge gap in the design and application of hair, make-up and/or prosthetics for digital characters in digital performance, including 3D animation, gaming and live 3D, interactive performance events. As well as grant funding, the project benefited from regular monitoring meetings with the XR Network+ Creative Producer who provided advice and support to the project delivery team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 'Unlocking 3D Digital Practice in Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Performance' project is a collaboration between London College of Fashion (LFC), live virtual events makers, Copper Candle, a digital designer, and undergraduate students from LCF. The collaboration will develop workflows that can unlock creative digital practice for learners in this field, leading to the creation of more engaging, innovative characters that not only inhabit and embody their story-worlds, but also feed into industry practice. The project will enable the creation of performance characters that will feature as part of an interactive "live" event experience in Fortnite. Digital attendees at the event will be able to play within the experience and watch performers, artists and musicians creating dynamic storytelling with non-linear narratives. |
| Impact | None yet, the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Project Partner (Abertay University) |
| Organisation | Abertay University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from Abertay University to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Abertay University representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. Provide Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, and to provide advice on the overall direction of the project. Provide opportunities for student placements. They provided support and direction in the XR Network+ project hosting a Roadshow Event at Abertay University in 2024. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (British Film Institute) |
| Organisation | British Film Institute (BFI) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from the British Film Institute to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A British Film Institute representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. Provides staff time to attend project oversight meetings and time to help the project disseminate findings, connect the team to relevant stakeholders and assist with reviews of funding bids. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Digital Catapult) |
| Organisation | Digital Catapult |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from Digital Catapult to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A Digital Catapult representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. Provides staff time to support the research and implementation of the project outputs and to attend networking events and workshops in order to provide advice and R&D feedback from industry |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Holition Ltd) |
| Organisation | Holition |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Humain Ltd) |
| Organisation | HUMAIN Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. Facilitate access to user groups and communities. Opportunities for a student placement. Access to data. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Northern Ireland Screen) |
| Organisation | Northern Ireland Screen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. Facilitate access to user groups, communities and production companies. Opportunities for using co-working space at Pixel Mill, match funding for Prototype projects and grant funding for projects which utilise VP facilities in Northern Ireland. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Numerion Software Ltd) |
| Organisation | Numerion Software Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. Access to Carbon Software Licenses. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Retinize Limited) |
| Organisation | RETìníZE Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ invited a representative from Retinize Limited to sit on the project's Industry Advisory Board. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A Retinize Limited representative sits on the XR Network+ Industry Advisory Board, attends meetings and assists with project decision making processes including strategic direction of the project. Provides staff time to participate in networking events and workshops and to provide advice on the overall direction of the project, staff time to support the research and implementation of the project outputs and facilitates access to user groups and communities |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Screen Yorkshire) |
| Organisation | Screen Yorkshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. Facilitate access to user groups and communities. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (University of Portsmouth) |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The XR Network+ Team worked with this partner to deliver one of our key Roadshow networking events in 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to participate in networking events and workshops, identify relevant research and support the implementation of project outputs, and provide advice to the project. Facilitate access to user groups and communities. Hosted an XR Network+ Project Roadshow event in June 2024 at their CCIXR facility. |
| Impact | Engagement activities - June 2024 XR Network+ roadshow event |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Project Partner (Victoria and Albert Museum) |
| Organisation | Victoria and Albert Museum |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ Project Partner - we have not as yet engaged with this partner as part of our active programme of work other than inviting them to attend network events |
| Collaborator Contribution | Staff time to be regularly involved in the project's activities and to advise the project. Staff time to support engagement with V&A objects, spaces and exploring digital experiences. potential to explore testing of experiences with V&A groups and communities. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | The University of Edinburgh (Co-Investigator) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Principal Investigator for the XR Network+ project is based at University of York. The XR Network+ project support team is also based at York and manage day-to-day project delivery. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Edinburgh is a Co-Investigator on the XR Network+ project team. As well as helping to make decisions at Executive Board meetings and Industry Advisory meetings, they have hosted a roadshow event and also given talks at other project events. |
| Impact | Connected the project to Codebase Ltd which resulted in the XR Network+ XR Accelerator Programme. Hosted an XR Network+ roadshow event and been a panel speaker at other project events which has helped to raise awareness of the project and associated research themes and also to encourage applications to the project's funding schemes. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Ulster University (Co-Investigator) |
| Organisation | Ulster University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Principal Investigator for the XR Network+ project is based at University of York. The XR Network+ project support team is also based at York and manage day-to-day project delivery. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Ulster University is a Co-Investigator on the XR Network+ project team. As well as helping to make decisions at Executive Board meetings and Industry Advisory meetings, they have hosted a roadshow event and also given talks at other project events. |
| Impact | Hosted an XR Network+ roadshow event and been a panel speaker at other project events which has helped to raise awareness of the project and associated research themes and also to encourage applications to the project's funding schemes. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | University of the Arts London (Co-Investigator) |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Principal Investigator for the XR Network+ project is based at University of York. The XR Network+ project support team is also based at York and manage day-to-day project delivery. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of the Arts London is a Co-Investigator on the XR Network+ project team. As well as helping to make decisions at Executive Board meetings and Industry Advisory meetings, they have hosted a roadshow event and also given talks at other project events. |
| Impact | Hosted an XR Network+ roadshow event and been a panel speaker at other project events which has helped to raise awareness of the project and associated research themes and also to encourage applications to the project's funding schemes. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - King's College London |
| Organisation | King's College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from King's College London participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - Leeds Beckett University |
| Organisation | Leeds Beckett University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from Leeds Beckett University participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - London South Bank University |
| Organisation | London South Bank University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from London South Bank University participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - Norwich University of the Arts |
| Organisation | Norwich University of the Arts |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Two researchers from Norwich University of the Arts participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - Teesside University |
| Organisation | Teesside University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from Teesside University participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - University College London |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from University College London participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - University of Leeds |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Two researchers from University of Leeds participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - University of the Arts London |
| Organisation | University of the Arts London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Two researchers from University of the Arts London participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Accelerator - York St John |
| Organisation | York St John University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ funding and resources provided delivery of the XR Accelerator, a six-week programme delivered in partnership with CodeBase. The programme was aimed at entrepreneurial UK-based early to mid-career researchers working with XR technologies and virtual production, to immerse themselves in startup methodology, to explore what goes into creating a tech product business, apply their research in commercial contexts, and connect with others. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A researcher from York St John University participated in the XR Accelerator, attending 2 intensive workshop sets in York, and four online workshops. |
| Impact | None reported |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | XR Network+ RSC R&D Challenge round 1 (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) |
| Organisation | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ advertised a funding call in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company called the XR Network+ R&D Challenge. XR Network+ recruited experts to help with the application selection process and sub awarded EPSRC funding to The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama project. As well as managing the funding call and selection process for projects that were funded under the R&D Challenge scheme, XR Network+ Creative Producer has provided support to the delivery of the awarded projects through regular catch up meetings. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama were successful applicants to the XR Network+ and Royal Shakespeare Company R&D Challenge funding call. They are delivering a project in collaboration with company partners 'Agile Lens LLC' and 'Preevue Ltd' called "Theatre Virtually Everywhere: A New Framework for Virtual Rehearsal" which proposes to facilitate the development and deployment of 'virtual twins' of theatrical productions by enabling their creation as an integral part of existing production workflows. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | XR Network+ RSC R&D Challenge round 1 (University of Bath) |
| Organisation | University of Bath |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | XR Network+ advertised a funding call in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company called the XR Network+ R&D Challenge. XR Network+ recruited experts to help with the application selection process and sub awarded EPSRC funding to the University of Bath project. As well as managing the funding call and selection process for projects that were funded under the R&D Challenge scheme, XR Network+ Creative Producer has provided support to the delivery of the awarded projects through regular catch up meetings. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Bath were successful applicants to the XR Network+ and Royal Shakespeare Company R&D Challenge funding call. They are delivering a project called "Making 'all the world a stage' with dynamic motion capture solutions for theatre production" which proposes an innovative solution to the challenge of authentically capturing performances via optical motion capture. |
| Impact | None yet as the project is still ongoing |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Title | Development of a high-fidelity earthquake simulation environment for virtual production based on unreal engine |
| Description | Integratation of a computationally intensive earthquake simulation system into a VR environment by leveraging Unreal Engine's built-in optimisation techniques, supported through an XR Network+ project. The system was presented at a workshop in Sydney, where experts from various fields had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. The system received highly positive feedback, along with valuable suggestions for further development and refinement. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The adaptation of the earthquake simulation system for VR, supported by XR Network+, enables seamless portability, allowing users to experience cutting-edge seismic simulations anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the VR integration paves the way for future multi-user immersive interactions, enhancing collaborative training and decision-making scenarios. Through hands-on experience at an international workshop the VR system received high praise and garnered significant interest, particularly from industry professionals and emergency response specialists, highlighting its potential for real-world applications. |
| Title | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer App |
| Description | The Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer is a cutting-edge tool that streams live motion capture data over the internet, allowing users from multiple remote locations to interact in the same shared digital space and was supported through an XR Network+ project. The app transmits mocap data over the web in real-time - allowing it to be received in any software handling live mocap data, such as Unity. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | The creation of performance artworks, showcases, public engagement. |
| URL | https://www.mocapstreamer.live/mocap-streamer-app |
| Description | A Silenced Sector: EDI Issues in the Immersive and Virtual Production Industries, with IDA XR Studio (Talk at BEYOND 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Eighty people attended a panel organised by XR Network+ project in collaboration with IDA XR Studio Ltd as part of the BEYOND 2024 Programme. The panel discussed EDI Issues in the Immersive and Virtual Production Industries and shared a research report on the experiences of women and gender nonconforming individuals in the immersive and virtual production sectors. The panel presented key findings, addressing discrimination faced by underrepresented groups, and explore how policymakers can help tackle these inequalities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/xr-network-at-beyond-2024/ |
| Description | Bains Numerique Festival and Symposium - Speaker and Panellist |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A member of the XR Network+/XR Stories team was a speaker and panelist at Bains Numerique Festival and Symposium, Engiens-Les-Bains, France. The session title was 'Innovation and Immersive Technologies for Territorial Attractiveness'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ifdigital.institutfrancais.com/en/selections/2024-bains-numeriques-highlights |
| Description | Barclays Eagle Lab Event with Game Republic: XR, Virtual Production and Beyond |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Event hosted at the York City Centre Guildhall for people learning how, by leveraging the latest technologies, such as virtual production, filmmakers and game developers can collaborate to create truly immersive and engaging experiences for audiences. The event included hands on demonstrations in virtual and gaming technology as well as talks from Elaine Wong (Pico VR) presenting about opportunities on this VR platform, Richard England (Reflex Arc) with a talk on virtual production pre-vis for Marvel's Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and special roundtables and networking opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/xr-virtual-production-and-beyond-tickets-668746929067 |
| Description | Contributed to HM Government's Committee for Science and Technology Creative Industries Event, London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Contributed to and attended HM Government's Committee for Science and Technology Creative Industries Event, London, celebrating and promoting key outcomes and organisations in the UK's Creative Industries. The audience was mostly industry, policymakers, Government civil servants, MPs, and discussions took place on further project collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Contributed to a panel session on creative/digital innovation at the York and North Yorkshire Business Summit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories PI Damian Murphy contributed to a panel session on regional creative/digital innovation at the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Business Summit, with a particular focus on AI, XR technology and the potential impact on regional businesses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/york-north-yorkshire-business-summit-2023.html |
| Description | Development of a high-fidelity earthquake simulation environment for virtual production based on unreal engine Project - Workshop on Advanced Disaster Simulation and Visualisation at UNSW Sydney |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This workshop brought together over 60 professionals from around the world, including emergency responders, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives. The primary objective was to present the latest advancements in our Unreal Engine-based earthquake simulation system, as supported by XR Network+ highlighting its significance and practical applications. The workshop began with an overview of our simulation technology, followed by an interactive discussion where we addressed questions on adaptability across different sectors, simulation accuracy, and its potential for multi-user rescue training. To provide a hands-on experience, we showcased a VR demo of the earthquake simulation system, allowing participants to engage directly with the technology. The feedback was highly positive, with participants providing valuable insights for further improvements. The workshop fostered interdisciplinary exchange, raised awareness of VR-based disaster response training, and opened avenues for future collaboration in refining and deploying the system in real-world applications. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/advanced-disaster-simulation-in-xr-workshop-tickets-1098279546689 |
| Description | FINELINE Immersive Project - Lumo Company project partner webpage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Webpage to promote the VR prototype based on the FINELINE show, as supported by XR Network+, through the trailer and making of videos in order to attract the interest of cultural programmers and support applications for follow-on funding to commercialise the product. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.lumocompany.com/vr-fineline |
| Description | FINELINE Immersive Project - VR Circus Performance prototype testing event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The testing opportunity of the output from the related XR Network+ project was advertised on Lumo Company's website, and 10 people signed up, of whom 8 showed up. Audience members could access the prototype for about 5-10min each, and were asked to provide brief feedback on their experience. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | FINELINE Immersive Project -Audience testing event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Audience testing of VR circus prototype, supported by XR Network+, involving contacts from academic and immersive experience networks. Sparked questions and in-depth discussion afterwards about this innovative approach to presenting live performance and about the techniques involved in producing it. Brought people into the virtual production space to see the capabilities for themselves. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | FINELINE Immersive at the July 2024 Storytellers & Machines Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A demonstration of the FINELINE Immersive project took place as part of the programme at Manchester Metropolitan University's Storytellers + Machines Conference, to an audience including academics and creative industry professionals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://storytellersandmachines.xyz/ |
| Description | Foundations in Equitable Design Training Course (IDA XR Studio Ltd) (Three workshops) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | XR Network+ Workshop delivered in partnership with IDA XR Studio Ltd to support Principal Investigator recipients of XR Network+ subawards to design and deliver inclusive and diverse research projects. This workshop was delivered three times as it was an interactive workshop and so each workshop had a limited number of places. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Game Republic event: New Creative Technologies |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | XR Network+ core team members were involved in the organisation and delivery of a Game Republic event. The aim of the event was to share with the Game Republic network the latest insights on new technologies (including XR, virtual production, AI) and the trends and innovations that are shaping immersive and engaging experiences for audiences worldwide. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://games.creative.barclays/events/new-creative-technologies/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xLKi-bcv0XkSUi29OR... |
| Description | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - AWDC and Goldsmith Mocap Streamer, Otmo presentation at The Fitzwilliam Museum for 'Lates' series event: Paris 1924: Sport, Art and the Body Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Experience Otmo in partnership with Alexander Whitley Dance Company - an XR Network+ project - a groundbreaking movement creation platform that allows users to explore motion capture data, to effortlessly sequence movements, design scenes and customise avatars. This event allowed audiences to try out VR, interactive tech and engage in discussions about body image, gender representation and agency in digital spaces while creating your own digital choreography. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/museum-late-paris-1924 |
| Description | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - British Academy Summer Showcase - Dance Practice in the Cultural Metaverse |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A highly visual, immersive performance space to try out and experience Alexander Whitley Dance Company's Otmo, as supported by an XR Network+ Award, and a pioneering virtual dance studio that enables individuals to compose their own movements within 3D digital space. In this exhibit, motion capture and VR are used to choreograph dance using a uniquely inclusive avatar system. The position, number and orientation of dancers can be changed, and music, set, timing, dynamics and intervals experimented with in this playfully interactive, accessible choreographic experience. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/events/british-academy-summer-showcase-2024/ |
| Description | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - Digital Body festival - In Conversation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A conversation between XR Network+ Project awardees Daniel Strutt, Gilles Jobin, Susana Panadés Diaz and Rebecca Evans about the use of motion capture technology in live performance settings such as Jobin's Cosmogony and Evans's Hinterlands. The session explored the new modes of embodiment, representation, choreographic methodology and audience experience this technology affords |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://digital-body.com/mocap-dance-practice-and-telematic-performance/ |
| Description | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - Digital Body festival - keynote |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A keynote presentation by an XR Network+ project award holder, Daniel Strutt, suggesting that dance movement exploration of avatar embodiment and telematic performance in 3D virtual environments can be a meaningful practice of philosophical discovery-a mode of affective doing, creating, becoming, and embodied thinking |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://digital-body.com/an-alien-phenomenology-in-dance-virtual-telematic-performances-as-embodied-... |
| Description | Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer and Alexander Whitley's Digital Dance Studio Project - Emergent Virtual Dance Practices: Embodied interaction and agency in digital choreographic frameworks. Goldsmiths University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A new Digital Innovation Network symposium event, bringing together academics and researchers who have worked with and for Goldsmiths University in the creation of innovative platforms and frameworks for dance work. In three presentations followed by a short roundtable discussion, artists and researchers spoke about the digital tools such as motion capture, games engines, XR interfaces, and streaming network protocols that support them in choreographic creation, installation, performer and audience interaction in a variety of physical, virtual and hybrid spaces. This project, supported by XR Network+ was represented. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://digital-body.com/emergent-virtual-dance-practices/ |
| Description | Hosted The Open University at the XR Stories facilities in York Guildhall |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The XR Stories team hosted a visit from the Open University to our facilities at York Guildhall to share learning and best practice as the OU team develop their own new XR Studio facility. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Hosted a Visit to the XR Stories facilities at York Guildhall from the Glasgow University Museums in the Metaverse project team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The XR Stories team hosted a visit from the Glasgow University Museums in the Metaverse project team to our facilities at York Guildhall to share learning and best practice as the Glasgow team develop their own new XR Studio facility. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Hosted a Visit to the XR Stories facilities at York Guildhall from the University of Warwick Innovation teams |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The XR Stories team hosted a visit from the University of Warwick Innovation team to our facilities at York Guildhall to share learning and best practice as the Warwick team develop their own strategic planning in this area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Immersive Technology for the Future of Live Performance (BEYOND 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Sixty people attended a panel on immersive technology for the future of live performance presented at the BEYOND 2024 conference. Drawing from experience in theatre, music, TV, film, branding and advertising, the XR Network+ panel included the Royal Shakespeare Company, Liminal Stage Productions, the University of York and Sarah Brin Consulting who explored questions including 'how we can continue to push the boundaries of live immersive performance'? |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/xr-network-at-beyond-2024/ |
| Description | Invitation to join the Europeana Tech Heritage Acoustics Task Force |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The purpose of this task force is to bring varied stakeholders together to collectively assess the current state of affairs and to identify key needs moving towards a unified approach to these preservation and presentation of acoustic heritage related metadata and content. The group will create a report detailing the who, what, where of acoustic heritage and then present recommendations on how to standardise, store, preserve, access and use the data. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://pro.europeana.eu/project/heritage-acoustics-task-force |
| Description | Invited Keynote: Converge - navigating the future of creative practice through international dialogue, Teesside University, 20/06/2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An invitation to give the keynote presentation, "Supporting Innovation for the Future of the UK's Creative Industries" at the University of Teesside School of Arts and Creative Industries International Partners Network Summit, that brought together Higher Education institutions from across Europe to enhance internationalisation and support new initiatives across partners. The summit aimed at being a global meeting of creative minds, serving as a platform to foster collaboration among institutions, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in research, enterprise and employment initiatives, teaching and learning for the creative industries. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.tees.ac.uk/minisites/international_partners_network_conference/ |
| Description | Invited Panel Chair: Content Creation and Consumption, EPSRC Digital Economy Next Stage Symposium, London, 10/6/2024. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Digital Economy Next Stage Symposium showcased outputs and impacts of socio-technical research in the UK from six Next Stage Digital Economy centres who have been looking at ways to harness digital technologies for our economy, our communities, our cultural lives, and our health and wellbeing. The event brought together researchers with businesses, government bodies, charities and public organisations. The Content Creation and Consumption Panel discussed the future of creative industries and how creative content is made and consumed, in particular in the light of new AI tools becoming more widely available. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/de-nexus-digital-economy-next-stage-symposium-tickets-826824623707?af... |
| Description | Invited Panel Member, Inspiring and Innovating for the Arts: Performance, Practice and Production, School of Arts and Creative Technologies Launch Event, University of York. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | XR Stoires PI Damian Murphy was an invited panel Member for the launch of the new School of Arts and Creative Technologies at the University of York |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.york.ac.uk/arts-creative-technologies/about/events/school-of-act-launch-event/ |
| Description | Invited Speaker, Design Made It Possible: Creativity and Economic Success, The Radix Big Tent Ideas Festival, York, 2023. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories PI Damian Murphy contributed to an expert panel as an invited speaker as part of the annual public/policy Radix Big Tent Ideas Festival, held in York, 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://radixuk.org/events/the-radix-big-tent-ideas-festival-23-regenerate/ |
| Description | Invited Speaker: Auracast is the Future of Audio - Exploring cultural consequence and use of headsets and hearables |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | An invited webinar presentation and discussion organised by the Danish Sound Cluster about Bluetooth technology and wireless audio solutions such as Auracast. This considered the implementation of Auracast in wider society and everyday use, how this technology might be integrated into new audio products and if consumers embrace audio consumption with Auracast, what might this mean for our culture and well-being. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://danishsoundcluster.dk/augmented-sound-in-future-society/ |
| Description | Invited Speaker: Creative clusters, and next steps for growth and innovation in the UK creative industries |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Speaking at an online meeting of the Westminster Media Forum and reporting on the work of XR Stories, "Adapting to Change, Assessing Possibilities, Prioritising R&D" and discussing funding and investment, key policy developments, local collaboration, priorities for innovation and IP, and education, skills, and the talent pipeline for the UK Creative Industries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/publication/Creative-Industry-23 |
| Description | Invited Speaker: UKRI Creative Industries Advisory Group, London, 11/7/2024. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The XR Stores Director, Damian Murphy was Invited to give a presentation on "Scaling Up - University Intermediation in the Growth of a Creative Business" to this advisory group consisting of key figures across UKRI and DCMS all focussed on how to best support the creative industries through R&D and Innovation. The theme of this session was on how SMEs scale up and the presentation was based on evidenced gathered across both XR Stories (Creative Media Labs as was) and XR Network+ projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Keynote panel at DCMS We Create Conference in Manchester, celebrating launch of Create Growth Programme and Creative Industries in the North of England |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories PI Damian Murphy contributed to a keynote panel hosted by the Minister for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport at the We Create Conference in Manchester, celebrating the launch of Create Growth Programme and Creative Industries in the North of England. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/news/culture-secretary-celebrates-northern-creativity-in-manchester |
| Description | Labour Party Conference - September 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories team members spoke at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Their talk highlighted example projects from XR Network+ and place-based value of University engagements |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Mastered XR - Invited Speaker |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A member of the XR Stories/XR Network+ team was an invited speaker for Mastered's XR event in Leeds. They spoke about how to progress a career in XR as an early career professional |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Nordic VR Forum 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories team members spoke at the Nordic VR Forum. The talk covered XR Network+'s work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and how university projects can help shape place-based agendas |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.vrforum.no/program-day-2-main-day |
| Description | North Yorkshire Cultural Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A member of the XR Network+ / XR Stories team attended the North Yorkshire Cultural Symposium in Malton, for the launch of the North Yorkshire Cultural Strategy, engaging in discussion with other cultural organisations within the region. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/malton/the-milton-rooms/north-yorkshire-cultural-symposium/2... |
| Description | Panel Chair: Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards, London, 21/05/2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The Innovate UK Immersive Technology Awards awards have been designed to connect undergraduate and postgraduate students in the XR (Extended Reality) industry and Professor Murphy is involved through the work of the XR Stories (formerly Creative Media Labs) project. The primary goal is to identify and celebrate the top XR talent emerging from academia in the UK, while also providing a crucial link between theoretical learning and real-world problem-solving through opportunities at leading companies in immersive technology. The awards ceremony, held at Imagination's London HQ 21/05/2024, showcased the remarkable work of finalists who went through a rigorous three-stage judging process with input from 34 experts across industry, academia, and the public sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://iuk.immersivetechnetwork.org/news/innovate-uk-immersive-tech-awards-2024-highlights/ |
| Description | Participation in the Launch Event for the new School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A launch event was held for the new School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York. The XR Stories team contributed to the event by showcasing their work as one of the five key strategic areas of translational research impact, 'Engineering the Metaverse'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Participation in the Launch Event for the new York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | On 1st February 2024 a launch event was held for the new York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority that will result in the election of a regional mayor and devolution from Government of key budgets and decision making powers. The XR Stories team contributed to the event by showcasing their work as one of the three key strategic areas for development in the region on behalf of the University of York. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/launch-event-for-combined-authority/ |
| Description | Presented a seminar on XR Stories and the Creative Industries Cluster Programme at University of Salford. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories PI Damian Murphy presented an invited seminar on the XR Stories project and the UK's Creative Industries Cluster Programme as part of the University of Salford Acoustics Research Seminar series. The presentation highlighted relevant work in audio and acoustics in the context of wider UK Government policy to support economic growth in the creative industries through R&D. Audience was mostly researchers in the field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIXRLtby5xg |
| Description | Presented a seminar on XR Stories and the Creative Industries Cluster Programme at the Danish Technical University, Lyngby, Denmark |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories PI Damian Murphy presented an invited seminar on the XR Stories project and the UK's Creative Industries Cluster Programme at the Danish Technical University, Lyngby, Denmark. The presentation highlighted relevant work in audio and acoustics in the context of wider UK Government policy to support economic growth in the creative industries through R&D. Audience was mostly researchers in the field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology: Infrastructure Roundtable. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Invited Speaker to the session, "How investment in arts, humanities and creativity-led research can contribute to innovation in technology-led sectors such as generative AI, research software engineering and the 'metaverse technologies", as part of the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology: Infrastructure Roundtable. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Representing The University of York at the DCMS Buckingham Palace Garden Party to Celebrate the UK Creative Industries, 15/05/2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In May 2024 the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport organised a Buckingham Palace Garden Party hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla to celebrate the UK Creative Industries. Professor Murphy was invited, representing the University of York and the XR Stories project (formerly Creative Media Labs) along with around 4000 other guests representing all parts of this sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://x.com/DCMS/status/1792569791565214050 |
| Description | Representing The University of York at the Labour Creatives Conference and Event, 14/03/2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The UK Labour Party brought together representatives from across policy, industry, arts, culture and creative industries to present a plan to support these sectors across Departments of Culture, Media and Sport, Education and Treasury. Professor Murphy was invited to attend to represent the University of York and the work of XR Stories (formerly Creative Media Labs), across Yorkshire and Humber and nationally. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/about-guildhall/news/labour-creatives-conference-held-at-guildhall-school-of-... |
| Description | Research Seminar: The science of inner experience (Charles Fernyhough) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Eleven people attended a research talk by Charles Fernyhough, Professor of Psychology at Durham University and Director of the Centre for Research into Inner Experience. The talk informed the audience of recent interdisciplinary explorations of some aspects of inner experience such as inner speech, memory and hallucinations, and how they have found applications in gaming, AI and the creative industries. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrstories.co.uk/event/research-talk-the-science-of-inner-experience/ |
| Description | Royal Shakespeare Company R&D Challenge - Online briefing session |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | XR Network+ has partnered with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to run a research and development challenge for academic-led projects to explore the creative possibilities of virtual production technologies in live theatre performance. This was an online briefing event which provided prospective applicants with further information about the application process, timelines and included a presentation by James Turnbull from the RSC to provide further context and detail about the project brief. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvn3VLo3eps |
| Description | Virtual Production round table at the XR Stories Culture and Heritage Event August 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | XR Stories held a Culture and Heritage Event for 130 people at the York City Centre Guildhall. The event was conference style and included a series of talks and demonstrations, emerging relationships and projects were showcased to explore utilising XR within the culture and heritage sector. As part of the event, around half the attendees attended roundtable discussions. One of the roundtable groups asked attendees to discuss 'what is important to recognise about virtual production?', 'what are some current challenges around virtual production' and 'how can XR Network+ support the future development of the virtual production industry?'. The content of the discussion have been included in a written report (still to be published). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Virtual and Remote Dance Collaboration and Co-Creation: OTMO and Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer (BEYOND 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Two hundred people attended a live performance session organised by XR Network+ at the BEYOND 2024 conference. The session was delivered by Alexander Whitley, Artistic Director at Alexander Whitley Dance Company and Daniel Strutt, Senior Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London and showcased a project that had been funded by a subaward from XR Network+ . The session showcased a new tool for remote digital dance composition and collaboration that integrates two existing platforms - Alexander Whitley Dance Company's 'Otmo' app and Goldsmiths' Mocap Streamer - allowing choreographers and dancers to work together in real time, even remotely. OTMO also featured as part of the Immersive Futures Lab where attendees could create their own unique performance. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/xr-network-at-beyond-2024/ |
| Description | XR Accelerator video |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A video showing highlights from the XR Network+ XR Accelerator programme, a free six week course from XR Network+ in partnership with CodeBase for people working in extended reality and virtual production technologies at UK universities to develop entrepreneurial skills. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://youtu.be/-VJHEMRJLfg |
| Description | XR Accelerator workshop (two workshops) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Two workshops delivered in partnership with Codebase Ltd. The workshops were attended by a cohort of 17 people who had been selected to receive training through the XR Network+ XR Accelerator programme. Two in-person workshops were held during the six week course. The course provided an opportunity for participants to develop entrepreneurial skills, explore what goes into creating a technology product business and gain knowledge of Intellectual Property, commercial pathways and models, funding options, applying industry innovation methodologies and routes to impact. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/grant/xr-accelerator/ |
| Description | XR Network+ Online Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An online event for 180 people from academia and industry. The event included an introduction to the XR Network+ project, an explanation of the funding opportunities that XR Network+ offered in 2023 and a question and answer session for the benefit of prospective applicants to the funding calls that were available in 2023. The event resulted in applications to the XR Network+ Embedded R&D and Prototyping Impact and Acceleration funding calls as well as raising awareness future opportunities for networking with peers working in extended reality and virtual production across academia and industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-online-launch-event/ |
| Description | XR Network+ Programme briefing for potential applicants and industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 50 people from Cardiff University staff and the local media industry, who are interested in extended reality and virtual production, attending an XR Network+ Briefing Event. There was an introduction, a presentation about the programme, an update on funded projects and future future funding rounds, an expert investigator panel, questions from the floor, then networking and engagment. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | XR Network+ Roadshow Event 2023 Ulster University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 50 researchers and industry professionals attended a workshop event at Ulster University at which they learnt about the XR Network+ project, discussed the definition of virtual production and identified current challenges that the XR Network+ project might address through providing funding or creating networking opportunities. The event included an expert investigator panel, questions from the floor, and networking and engagment. Workshop discussion points were used to develop funding call guidance and application processes around the XR Network+ Project 2023 Embedded R&D in virtual production and Protyping Impact and Acceleration research activities and attendees joined the XR Network+ project mailing list to learn about future opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | XR Network+ Roadshow event 2023 University of the Arts London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 50+ researchers and industry professionals attended a workshop event at University of the Arts London at which they learnt about the XR Network+ project, discussed the definition of virtual production and identified current challenges that the XR Network+ project might address through providing funding or creating networking opportunities. The event included an expert investigator panel, questions from the floor, and networking and engagment. Workshop discussion points were used to develop funding call guidance and application processes around the XR Network+ Project 2023 Embedded R&D in virtual production and Protyping Impact and Acceleration research activities and attendees joined the XR Network+ project mailing list to learn about future opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | XR Network+ Roadshow event 2023 at The University of Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 50+ researchers and postgraduate students attended a workshop event at University of Edinburgh at which they learnt about the XR Network+ project, discussed the definition of virtual production and identified current challenges that the XR Network+ project might address through providing funding or creating networking opportunities. The event included an expert investigator panel, questions from the floor, and networking and engagment. Workshop discussion points were used to develop funding call guidance and application processes around the XR Network+ Project 2023 Embedded R&D in virtual production and Protyping Impact and Acceleration research activities and attendees joined the XR Network+ project mailing list to learn about future opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/scotland-launch-of-xr-network/ |
| Description | XR Network+ Roadshow event 2025 at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Event aimed at researchers, businesses and creatives working in extended reality and virtual production technologies. The event included an introduction to XR Network+ followed by talks on projects that have been funded by XR+ including a talk on "Accessible Hybrid Performances and Embedding Volumetric Capture Technologies" , "Unlocking 3D Digital Practice", "XR Textiles and Dress Research" as well as an introduction to the CoSTAR Project by Andrew Chitty (Chair of the CoSTAR Network) and an invited talk by Hannah Andrews, Director for Digital Innovation (Arts) British Council. The event included opportunities for networking, viewing demos in the maker space and a tour of UAL's specialist XR research Lab. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xr-network-roadshow-at-university-of-the-arts-london-ual-tickets-108683... |
| Description | XR Network+ Webinar 3: "Performance in XR" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online webinar to share the ongoing research and finding from two projects that were funded by XR Network+ Embedded R&D and Prototyping Impact and Acceleration grant. Henry Melki from Ulster University gave a talk about a collaboration with Prime Cut Productions to develop a virtual production pipeline tailored for theatre that will enable theatre companies to independently produce immersive creative projects. Dan Strutt from Goldsmiths University of London and Alexander Whitley gave a talk about their collaboration to create a unique, all-in-one virtual choreographic tool that can receive live inputs of dance sequences from anyone, anywhere in the world. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/online-seminar-performance-and-xr/ |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar 6: Exploring new formats for game and performance |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online webinar to raise awareness of two projects that were funded under the XR Network+ Prototyping, Impact and Acceleration round 1 funding call. Sarah Martindale from the University of Nottingham gave a presentation about the 'Fineline Immersive' project which aims to create a digital version for the FINELINE show (using volumetric and 360 degree video, motion capture and spatialised audio content) that could tour to arts venues and festivals. Paul Tennent from the University of Nottingham gave a presentation about the 'Hybridising the Tabletop' project which has developed a hybrid remote/in-person gaming experience using 360 degree video and a synchronised physical/digital table to support playing together. A question and answer session took place following the presentations and raised awareness of the work of the XR Network+ and encourage applications to future rounds of XR Network+ R&D funding calls. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-online-seminar-exploring-new-formats-for-game... |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar 7: The Future of Fashion |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online seminar to raise awareness of two research projects that were funded under the XR Network+ Research & Development round 1 funding calls. Donatella Barbieri and Ben Turnbull from the London College of Fashion gave a presentation on their "Charged Objects of Performance" project followed by a presentation by Nina Van Volkinburg (London College of Fashion) and Lisa Chatterton (The Fashion Innovation Agency) on their project 'Digital Materialism and How Gen Z are Building Pathways to XR and VP Acceptance'. The presentations raised awareness of research around immersive storytelling and enhancing the customer experience in the digital fashion landscape. The presentations were followed by an audience question and answer session and raised awareness of the activities of the XR Network+ project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-seminar-the-future-of-fashion/ |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar 8: Toward 'RealTime' Made in Code |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online seminar to raise awareness of a research project that was funded under the XR Network+ Embedded R&D round 1 funding call. Jane Harris, Director of the University of the Arts London's Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute and Mike King (CEO, Numerion) gave a presentation on the "Toward 'RealTime' Made in Code" project, which raised awareness of the research followed by a question and answer session so that attendees might learn more about the challenges and potential for future areas of research in creating digital renditions of textiles and garments in motion and in 'real time'. The event also raised awareness of the activities and future funding opportunities offered by the XR Network+ project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-seminar-toward-realtime-made-in-code/ |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar 9: Digital Avatars and Character Design |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online seminar to raise awareness of two research projects that were funded under the XR Network+ Embedded R&D and Prototyping Impact and Acceleration round 1 funding call. This included a presentation about the 'Shapeshifter' project (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) which explored the design features and challenges that come with delivering real-time mocap performance for a non-human avatar, as well as their strategies to give the actor greater control and expressivity. A second presentation on 'Exploring immersive storytelling for avatars in Realtime gaming' (University for the Creative Arts) was explained how the project used state-of-the-art AI to develop a system that produces real-time performance for both in-game player and AI-driven non-player-character avatars. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session so that the audience could find out more about the future research implications of these projects and learn more about future activities of the XR Network+ project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-seminar-digital-avatars-and-character-design/ |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar Feb 2024: AI composure |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Online XR Network+ seminar about a project called "AI Composure", which is a research collaboration between the University of York and dock10 and received funding from the XR Network+ Embedded R&D 2023 funding programme. Prof Florian Block (University of York) and Richard Wormwell (Dock10) gave a talk that focussed on their R&D project to tackle a major challenge for Virtual Production - simulating realistic light interactions in multi-camera green screen studios. This event is one of a monthly seminar series aimed at sharing knowledge, expereince and best practice as well as growing a network of peers working in extended reality and virtual production across academia and industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | XR Network+ online seminar: Towards sustainable XR and virtual production |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Online XR Network+ seminar about how to move towards sustainable extended reality technologies and virtual production. This event is one of a monthly seminar series aimed at sharing knowledge, experience and best practice as well as growing a network of peers working in extended reality and virtual production across academia and industry. Declan Keeney from Ulster University gave a talk on the use of virtual production technologies and their role in carbon reduction in the screen industries. This was followed by a talk by Alexandra Dales (York St John University) and Nina Willment (University of York) which explored sustainability potential and challenges associated with the immersive technology and production sector. Speakers answered questions from the audience and provided some ideas about possible areas for future research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-seminar-how-to-move-towards-sustainable-xr-an... |
| Description | XR Network+ project launch at BEYOND conference 2022 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Project Investigators attended the 3-day BEYOND 2022 conference in Cardiff and hosted a panel event at which they introduced the XR Network+ project and provided an overview of the project activities and funding opportunities. This was followed by a second panel event at which experts from multiple organisations examined the potential of virtual production approaches to make the film and TV industry more environmentally sustainable. Drawing on industry experience and the latest research, panelists explored emerging thought about what virtual production is and can be, and critique claims about how new production tools can enable net zero filmmaking. The event increased awareness of the XR Network+ project and resulted in people signing up to the XR Network+ project mailing list. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://xrstories.co.uk/xr-stories-at-beyond-conference-2022/ |
| Description | XR Network+ roadshow event at Abertay University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Event aimed at researchers and industry creatives working in extended reality technologies, the event included an introduction to the XR Network+ project, a presentation about future funding opportunities through Immersive Arts Programme, updates from the CoSTAR Realtime Lab and CoSTAR Live Lab, and the upcoming project activities from the XR Network+ Challenge Programme in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-roadshow-at-abertay-university/ |
| Description | XR Network+ roadshow event at the University of Portsmouth CCIXR Facility |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Free event aimed at researchers and industry creatives working in extended reality technologies, the event included an introduction to the XR Network+ project and funding opportunities to encourage applications to the XR Network+ funding calls, a panel discussion and Q&A session on the current landscape for XR development, and attendees also explored the Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality facilities at University of Portsmouth followed by a networking session to bring together colleagues from across academic research and creative practice to share insights and foster new links. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/xr-network-roadshow-at-the-university-of-portsmouth-ccix... |
| Description | XR Spotlight at Sheffield DocFest 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Two members of the team (one from XR Stories, one wider University of York) travelled to Sheffield Doc Fest to view their 'Alternate Realities' strand. The two team members then recorded short video reviews under the XR Spotlight banner, highlighting some of the outstanding VR work being showcased at the festival. These videos were then released and promoted via XR Stories channels |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSG2YbYkaMOG9YPmCeqwuA-HnsM1iSgv |
| Description | XR Stories & XR Network+ newsletter - February 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A newsletter to highlight events, opportunities and activities taking place at XR Stories and XR Network+ including a roundup of R&D funding opportunities, training schemes and support for businesses and researchers working in digital and creative technologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | XR Stories and XR Network+ newsletter - April 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A newsletter to highlight events, opportunities and activities taking place at XR Stories and XR Network+ including a roundup of R&D funding opportunities, training schemes and support for businesses and researchers working in digital and creative technologies. The newsletter sparked an increase in visitors to the projects' websites from people interested in applying for the opportunities presented. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://email.xrstories.co.uk/news-from-xr-stories-and-xr-network?ecid=&utm_campaign=Newsletters&utm... |
| Description | XR Stories and XR Network+ newsletter - August 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | To communicate news of activities, events and funding opportunities to the XR Stories and XR Network+ network of researchers and businesses working in creative technologies. The newsletter resulted in increased visitors to the projects' website, increased engagement on social media and enquires about the opportunities highlighted in the newsletter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://email.xrstories.co.uk/news-from-xr-stories-and-xr-network-2?ecid=&utm_campaign=Newsletters&u... |
| Description | XR Stories and XR Network+ newsletter - December 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | To communicate news of activities, events and funding opportunities to the XR Stories and XR Network+ network of researchers and businesses working in creative technologies. The newsletter resulted in increased visitors to the projects' website, increased engagement on social media and enquires about the opportunities highlighted in the newsletter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://email.xrstories.co.uk/news-from-xr-stories-and-xr-network-4?ecid=&utm_campaign=Newsletters&u... |
| Description | XR Stories and XR Network+ newsletter - June 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | To communicate news of activities, events and funding opportunities to the XR Stories and XR Network+ network of researchers and businesses working in creative technologies. The newsletter resulted in increased visitors to the projects' website, increased engagement on social media and enquires about the opportunities highlighted in the newsletter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://email.xrstories.co.uk/news-from-xr-stories-and-xr-network-1?ecid=&utm_campaign=Newsletters&u... |
| Description | XR Stories and XR Network+ newsletter - October 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | To communicate news of activities, events and funding opportunities to the XR Stories and XR Network+ network of researchers and businesses working in creative technologies. The newsletter resulted in increased visitors to the projects' website, increased engagement on social media and enquires about the opportunities highlighted in the newsletter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://email.xrstories.co.uk/news-from-xr-stories-and-xr-network-3?ecid=&utm_campaign=Newsletters&u... |
| Description | XRN+ Webinar 4: Sound Design in Virtual Production |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online webinar and Q&A to build the Network and disseminate the findings of a project that was funded through the XR Network+ Prototyping Impact and Acceleration funding round 1. Balandino Di Donato from Edinburgh Napier University, and Martin Rieger owner and Sound Designer at VR Tonung, gave a talk about their collaborative project exploring 360 sound design production for virtual environments. The talk was followed by a presentation by Helena Daffern, University of York who gave a round up of R&D taking place within the world of XR & sound. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/online-seminar-sound-design-in-virtual-production/ |
| Description | XRN+ Webinar 5: Redefining the possibilities of content creation with AI & VP |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Online free webinar and Q&A to build the Network and raise awareness of a project that was funded by XR Network+ as part of the Embedded R&D round 1 funding call. Representatives from University of Portsmouth and Dark Cosmos Creative gave a talk about their collaborative project around transforming the process of capturing high-quality photorealistic assets (digital representations of characters or environments) for the film production pipeline. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://xrnetworkplus.xrstories.co.uk/event/online-seminar-redefining-the-possibilities-of-content-c... |