Setting the stage for technological innovation with Merged Futures 7

The countdown is on until influential figures within the world of technological innovation arrive at the University of Northampton to explore how emerging technologies can benefit the town and beyond.

Merged Futures is an annual free, one-day event which will bring together experts in emerging technologies to explore the potential to further develop and innovate for the benefit of the town’s businesses, students and residents.

It has been organised by Digital Northampton, which is an independent collaboration between the University of Northampton, the digital team at West Northamptonshire Council and local digital businesses.

Hosted at the University of Northampton on Friday 13 June, Merged Futures is for anyone interested in finding out how and why emerging technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and IoT (Internet of Things) can benefit Northamptonshire, from business leaders to local residents.

Experts will give an insight into how this new technology can be applied to enhance the work of different sectors, including retail, healthcare and education.

The event will also connect digital companies and educators with those interested in implementing digital transformation in their business or organisation.

Merged Futures will be jam-packed with interactive workshops and engaging discussions, which will include a number of representatives from the University of Northampton:

·       Senior Lecturers in Games Design and Games Programming, Vikaas Mistry and David Nicholls – representatives of Goblin Academics – will be showcasing the latest progress and developments on the Arcade Machine and Game specially commissioned for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, alongside the team of student creators. There will be an opportunity to test out the arcade machine and share feedback.

·       Professor of Human-Centred Data Intelligence Mu Mu will present on a pioneering virtual reality (VR) therapy designed to help individuals confront and reprocess difficult experiences including phobias.

·       Lead for Clinical Simulation Learning Kate Ewing and Associate Dean for FHES Roshni Khatri will showcase innovative training initiatives and the cutting-edge technology used to support learning, including a tour of the facilities on offer at the University of Northampton.

·       Head of Learning Technology Rob Howe, Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching Emma Whewell and Associate Professor in Education Helen Caldwell will be leading a session on a project which builds on a pilot project using virtual reality (VR) to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to overcome travel-related anxieties.

·       Senior Lecturer in Practice Development and Project Lead for Mental Health Nursing Iain Schrantz will explore how virtual reality is used to train mental health nursing students at the University of Northampton.

As well as presentations at the event on subjects including VR and IoT, there will be interactive demos covering a range of technologies such as AR and AI.

You can view the agenda and list of guest speakers on the Digital Northampton website.

Merged Futures takes place on Friday 13 June, 10am to 6pm, in the Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, Northampton, NN1 5PH