Competition 'to boost research innovation'

The academic community is being encouraged to enter a competition to find the best ideas to support innovation for future research.

Run by the UK’s edtech not-for-profit Jisc, the edtech challenge competition will reward the best ideas around innovating research with artificial intelligence (AI) and pioneering ways of applying mixed reality – the merging of real and virtual worlds.

Hannah Kinley, senior co-design manager and moderator of the challenges, said: ‘Sometimes the smallest ideas can create the biggest change and we’re asking staff and students in the higher education sector to help colleagues and peers of the future to make a difference. 

'AI, machine learning and mixed reality are already supporting and changing research, and we want to hear how these technologies can be applied in a way that will support future research.’

Entries into this challenge will inform Jisc’s work in promoting, supporting and innovating research practices for the benefit of UK higher education and research. Ideas will be assessed on the basis of their benefits for researchers, innovation, and desirability.

Jisc is a not-for-profit providing the UK’s national research and education network, Janet, and technology solutions for its members – colleges, universities and research centres. It is funded by the UK higher and further education and research funding bodies and member institutions.

The organisation negotiates sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers, and provides advice and practical assistance on digital technology. Jisc’s vision is for the UK to be the most digitally advanced education and research nation in the world.

The submissions deadline is 31 July.