The University of South Australia (UniSA) has just sealed the deal on an important collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to work on research into data visualisation and augmented reality (AR) as well as to support student exchange opportunities.
The Agreement
According to a recent press release, the two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlined a framework for collaboration that boosts technology research.
Additionally, the MOU would provide opportunities for local students to visit the United States and for students from MIT to spend time at UniSA as part of their study and research.
The agreement with UniSA has resulted from a wider collaboration with MIT, the State Government, BankSA, Optus and DSpark and relies upon involvement from Adelaide’s three Universities.
The focus of the initial collaboration is the creation of South Australia’s Living Lab which will be established at Lot Fourteen.
According to Professor Brenton Dansie, who represented UniSA as a part of the recent State delegation to MIT, the agreement will consolidate some existing research connections with MIT and help to further develop research and student engagement.
Who are Involved?
The US-based MIT is a technology-focused institution and one of the highest-ranked universities in the world.
It has an international reputation for excellence in computer science, engineering, maths, earth science and physics, among other fields.
The research collaboration will focus on research undertaken within MIT’s Digital Media Lab and UniSA’s Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE).
MIT’s Digital Media Lab creates disruptive technologies that happen at the edges, pioneering such areas as wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and affective computing.
Its researchers are committed to delving into the questions not yet asked, whose answers could radically improve the way people live, learn, work, and play.
As a world leader in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE), meanwhile, is a unique alignment of computer science, engineering, art, architecture and design.
Its researchers are leaders in many areas of AR and VR research including wearable computing, interface design, empathic computing, 3D visualisation, perception, and telepresence.
It is one of the largest concentrations of AR and VR research in Australia and is responding to the challenge of increased demand for AR and VR technologies globally.
The Centre’s vast experience in advanced manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), interactive art, and design for healthcare and defence allows them to work in collaboration with industry partners to transform industry and solve large-scale societal challenges.
Two of the world’s leading researchers in AR and VR, are Professors from UniSA and have links with MIT. This new agreement will significantly enhance their efforts.
