Santander Technology Fund announces first funding awards

LITEbox - Santander Technology Fund announces first funding awards

The LITEbox team is delighted to announce the first three successful awards from its new Santander Technology Fund, launched in November 2017. Supported by Santander, as part of the company's wider support of a range of initiatives across the University, the Technology Fund was established with the aim of continuing to create an environment where the University at large can learn about new and existing technologies to support learning and teaching, and share experiences.
These selected projects are supported with funding to include hardware and software purchases and range from £1500 to £4500 per project with a maximum of two years duration.

The first three successful awards are:

1. Project Name: Uni-LAB (Undergraduate Innovation Laboratory) 
   Led by: Dr Peter Sloan, Lecturer, Dept. of Physics and Mr. Keith Brown, Faculty of Science Learning Technologist
   Duration: February 2018 to September 2019 (three Semesters)The “UNI-LAB” an UNdergraduate Innovation LABoratory" is a maker-space where students especially in the Physics department can work together, designing and building with 3D printers, laser-cutters and cheap Raspberry Pi computers. This space will encourage envisioning the next state-of-the-art technologies including making robot devices, automated telescopes, fusion reactor, sound synthesiser, and ideas for advanced computer programming.
   For details here.
2. Project Name: Interactive Whiteboard  
   Led by: Ben Metcalfe, Lecturer, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering
   Duration: February 2018 to February 2019This project aims to enhance existing good practice by increasing the engagement of all types of learners with active learning during lectures and tutorials. The primary aim is to introduce a technology that permits real time capture of diagrams and equations, encourages student engagement through assistive learning techniques, and improves accessibility at all levels.
3. Project Name: Circular Economy Toolkit 
   Led by: Alisha Tuladhar, PhD Researcher, School of Management
   Duration: February 2018 to February 2019This project is centred around a program-specific subject: the ‘Circular Economy’ (CE), which is usually taught in Sustainability, Innovation or Design and even Business Management Courses. A circular economy is a regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emission, and energy leakage are minimised by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops. The project will collaborate closely with ‘Circular Economy Club’, an international non-profit organization who are already planning to organize ‘Circular Economy Mapping Week’ around the world and contact the best events or entrepreneurs, study them and produce knowledge resources. Materials and toolkits will be produced: well-crafted case studies and concept videos would be the main project outcomes. This would benefit both academics and practitioners in the CE field.

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   As part of the first bidding round, there were also three other interesting projects, all of which the LITEbox panel were keen to support. Further discussions, and an opportunity to revise and edit bids, are now underway with these bidders.

   The second bidding round for the Santander Technology Fund is now open with a closing deadline of 28 February 2018. Find out further information about bidding. Alternatively, you can email the LITEbox team directly with any questions or for an informal discussion.