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Video Showcase

Leeds-HKU Conference: Moving Beyond Research to Engagement and Impact

April 17-18, 2015
Foyer, Graduate House, The University of Hong Kong


Selected Impact Projects of the University of Leeds

Project Title

Communicating Feminism: A Case Study with Rape Crisis England and Wales

Project Co-ordinator

Dr Fiona Philip
School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds
Katie Russell
Rape Crisis England & Wales

Abstract

This collaboration between Fiona and Katie of Rape Crisis England & Wales aimed to develop a more effective media and communication strategy for the charity. Using the research of Fiona, and her colleague Lee Edwards, Rape Crisis was able to combine insights from feminist scholarship and literature on public relations to co-develop a more proactive approach to media and communications, to shape the political and public agenda on sexual violence as a feminist issue. Rape Crisis has since developed a much more substantial online presence that allows interaction with a larger proportion of the public and in particular active feminist groups. This project was funded by University of Leeds 'Ignite' funding.

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Project Title

Empowering Indian Citizens to Use the Right to Information Through a 'Public Information Centre'

Project Co-ordinator

Professor Will Gould
School of History, University of Leeds

Abstract

Will Gould discusses his research into citizenship, and in particular the history of corruption in India. As part of this, he started working with an organization called Asha Parivar, a Right to Information (RTI) NGO in Lucknow, India. Interaction during research for his book and the specific research within it led to the development of an electronic Public Information Centre between 2010 and 2012, allowing communities in Uttar Pradesh, India, to access information on government projects. Centres/booths are run in five locations and assist in the filing of RTI applications. This project was submitted as a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Impact Case Study, and has been supported by Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding.

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Project Title

Helping BBC Archives Develop a Democratic Public Space Through Collaboration and Public Engagement

Project Co-ordinator

Professor Simon Popple
School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds

Abstract

Simon Popple discusses his long-term partnership with the BBC, which aimed to open up its archives and think about how people use archives. Simon was able to encourage the BBC to think more deeply about how they allowed people access to their archives. This was a basis for current work, in particular a project called 'Pararchive', which involves the creation of web tools to allow individuals to use archival resources in an autonomous space, independent from formal archives. Simon reflects on the process of working with a large institution like the BBC and creative technologists with whom he had no previous experience of working. Simon submitted an Impact Case Study for the REF, and has also participated in the Leeds Creative Labs. His work has in part been supported by AHRC funding.

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Project Title

Influencing Digital Projection Practices in Dance Performance

Project Co-ordinator

Professor Sita Popat
School of Performance and Cultural Industries, University of Leeds

Abstract

Sita Popat talks about her exciting collaboration with KMA Creative Technology Ltd, digital artists, which involved integrating movement and performance with projection and interactive technologies. Together, Sita Popat with her colleague Scott Palmer, worked in collaboration with KMA to develop new ways of incorporating projection and in particular avatars into dance performances. Sita discusses how the partnership was a genuine exchange between both partners, and how the research was enriched by working with KMA. The project also involved students throughout as part of the collaboration. This project was submitted as a REF Impact Case Study, and was funded in part by the AHRC.

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Project Title

Curating a Web Exhibition on British Muslim Experiences of the Hajj

Project Co-ordinator

Dr Seán McLoughlin
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, University of Leeds

Abstract

Seán McLoughlin discusses his plans to curate an online exhibition showcasing his qualitative research on British Muslims' experiences of travelling for the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Seán and Leeds student intern, Jo Merrygold, worked with a creative technologist on how best to present digital audio and images as part of the Leeds Creative Labs programme. The collaboration with Tim Waters explored various options for disseminating the research to a wider audience, and Seán reflects on how the experience of collaboration could also shape his work in the future. As academic and non-academic partners, Seán, Jo and Tim shared important points of connection in terms of open access and community values. Theories and methods from psychogeography also illuminated a joint interest in mapping the connections between place and emotions. Building on Tim's expertise in particular, future collaboration could harness new and emerging technologies to extend the research. This project was supported by the Leeds Creative Labs and funded by Seán's British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2013-14) as well as an AHRC funded collaboration with the British Museum (2011-13).

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Selected Impact Projects of The University of Hong Kong

Project Title

Hong Kong Seeks to Update Animal Welfare Laws to International Standards

Project Co-ordinator

Ms Amanda Whitfort
Department of Professional Legal Education
(Awardee of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2011 of the Faculty of Law)

Abstract

A 2010 review of animal welfare legislation done by Associate Professor Amanda Whitfort in collaboration with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals highlighted inadequacies in Hong Kong's out-of-date animal protection laws and recommended a more humane approach in line with international guidelines and practices. While it is a long, complicated process to amend laws, the 2010 review has received widespread support for the introduction of an animal welfare-friendly policy reflecting the authors' recommendations.

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Project Title

Confronting the Shadow Education System: What Government Policies for What Private Tutoring

Project Co-ordinator

Professor Mark Bray
Faculty of Education
(Awardee of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2012 of the Faculty of Education)

Abstract

This project has the same title as a book written by Mark Bray, UNESCO Chair Professor in Comparative Education, which was published in 2009 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Private supplementary tutoring is ubiquitous in Hong Kong, and has now become a global phenomenon. Such tutoring is widely called shadow education because it mimics the regular system: as the curriculum changes in the schools, so it changes in the shadow. Shadow education has a backwash on regular schooling; and since shadow education requires payment of fees, it has implications for social inequalities. This book has been translated into 19 languages and has become a wake-up call to governments. The translations were done in partnership with local bodies responsible for dissemination and follow-up in their own countries. Professor Bray has given presentations on the topic in five continents, and has been commissioned by the European Union and Asian Development Bank to undertake further work. 

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Project Title

Using Cryptography to Track Cybercriminals

Project Co-ordinator

Dr K. P. Chow
Department of Computer Science
(Awardee of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2013 of the Faculty of Engineering)

Abstract

Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing, most lucrative and destructive areas of criminal activity in the world today. Dr K. P. Chow, Associate Director of the Center for Information Security and Cryptography, is developing software specifically targeting these activities. He has been working closely with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to help the authorities track down cybercriminals.

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Project Title

Monitoring Light Pollution to Save the Night Sky

Project Co-ordinator

Dr Jason C. S. Pun

Department of Physics

(Awardee of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2013 of the Faculty of Science)

Abstract

Hong Kong has one of the worst light pollution problems in the world. Apart from the energy, health and environmental costs, light pollution has another price – the loss of the night sky. For the last 10 years Dr Jason Pun and his team have been researching the extent of light pollution across Hong Kong, and looking into ways that it can be reduced without the city losing its lustre as the "Pearl of the Orient". He has also been working with the Hong Kong Space Museum and other organizations to reach out to the general public and to school students, educating them of the negative consequences of light pollution.

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Project Title

Architecture Teaching Kit for All Secondary Schools in Hong Kong

Project Co-ordinator

Ms Tris Kee and Dr W. S. Wong
Department of Architecture
(Awardees of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2015 of the Faculty of Architecture)

Abstract

This project has engaged all levels of the design industry, from Education Bureau, professionals and practitioners. The teaching kit provides a pioneer e-learning platform for architecture and is highly recognized for its innovative methodology. It was distributed to all secondary schools in Hong Kong, benefiting over 112,800 students. It brings a paradigm shift in secondary school education and generated significant benefits on architecture education for students aged 15-18. It won the International Union of Architects (UIA) Congress Golden Cube Award in the region.

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Project Title

Clinical Legal Education Programme

Project Co-ordinator

Mr Eric T. M. CheungMr Edmond K. F. Lam and Mr Edward Chan
Department of Law
(Awardees of the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award 2015 of the Faculty of Law)

Abstract

Established in January 2010, the Clinical Legal Education Programme provides the much needed pro bono legal service to the community and is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Legal advice is provided by experienced legal practitioners with the support of and research done by law students, through the Free Legal Advice Scheme on campus. More than 600 clients have received free legal advice. There were more than 10 successful criminal appeal cases, and it has contributed to the rectification of an erroneous approach to the merits test by the Legal Aid Department upon a successful case handled by the programme. It has successfully provided a platform for synergy that taps resources to generate and disseminate legal knowledge to meet unmet needs in real life situations in society. 

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