RESEARCH with impact.
Making a better future for the world’ s coastal communities
PROFESSOR BRAD BEAVEN AND DR KARL BELL
Urban-maritime cultures and communities have faced rapid change in the last century. And in the face of climate change and evolving economies, they will continue to experience challenges. Our Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures is researching these communities’ past and present, to discover brighter possible futures.
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the Centre brings together academics and students from the University and across the world. They work closely with local coastal communities to explore the rich history and heritage of their regions.
At a time when concerns are growing about the social and economic deprivation of seaside towns, the Centre is building a better understanding of the lived experience, representation and conservation of maritime spaces, cultures and heritage. Their discoveries will inspire exciting collaborations with writers, artists and filmmakers.
Image credit: Twycross Zoo
Inspiring conservation conversations with hologram experiences
DR BRETT STEVENS
We’ re living through a global extinction crisis. One million animal and plant species are at risk – among them, the Javan rhino and African elephant. Our researchers are helping to spark conversations that will keep these rare beasts alive and thriving.
Projecting Hope is a new kind of exhibit at Twycross Zoo. In a UK first, a team from our School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies developed an experience featuring 3D, moving holograms of critically endangered creatures. Zoo visitors can now encounter rhinos and elephants they’ ll likely never experience in real life.
This attention-grabbing exhibit will inspire visitors to get involved in supporting conservation. Our holograms are a call to make sure we live in a world where such animals remain real.
6 7