Kath Hughes Awarded External XR Network+ UKRI (EPSRC) Funding: Biometric Bodies Breathe

Dr. Kath Hughes has been awarded external UKRI (EPSRC) funding as the research lead on a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, cross-institutional project titled ‘Biometric Bodies Breathe: Exploring Heart Rate Synchrony and Embodied Feedback Loops Using Real-Time Data Capture in Immersive XR Virtual Production’. The 6-month research project is supported by XR Network+, using funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Led by XR Stories at the University of York, XR Network+ is conducted in collaboration with Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Ulster University, and University of the Arts London.

The project will expand upon early-stage prototypes developed by Kath Hughes and Danny Bacchus (supported by DCRC x Immersive Arts Fellowship funding), which explored how the phenomenological and affective affordances of immersive XR technologies could be utilised to shape visually, spatially and sensorially responsive data representations/ avatars of biometric bodies in immersive XR contexts. Bringing on board the collaborative multi-disciplinary research expertise of Professor of Neuropsychology Iain Gilchrist (University of Bristol) and independent sound artist Joanna Penso, the project team will work towards developing innovative biometric, heart-rate responsive, XR prototypes for advancing understanding around how biometric data can shape socially-connected XR interaction design; creating pathways for collaboration with healthcare, creative tech and cultural sectors. The research is facilitated through use of state-of-the-art virtual production facilities at The Bridge (UWE) and Bristol Digital Futures Institute (University of Bristol and MyWorld) sites.

For more information about the project, click here.

For more information about VAMP member, Kath Hughes, click here.