|
Can we develop compelling distance learning experiences that
are more than "lectures over television" ?
Can we create inexpensive solutions that allow
people with health problems to be robustly cared for over a
distance and have a better quality of life no matter where they
reside ?
Can we combine communication technologies and architectural
design to create new kinds of work and living spaces that
span multiple geographical locations ?
Can we create new systems that enable distributed knowledge
and expertise to be aggregated and exploited more seamlessly ?
Can we devise new modes of communication that enable distant
family members and loved-ones to feel a greater sense of
awareness and togetherness between each other ?
Can we invent new ways to share our expressions and
experiences with those who are physically or culturally distant
from us, and to archive these records for the benefit of
generations in the far future ?
* * *
Distance Lab is a new research institute whose mission is
to invent new technologies and experiences that challenge the way we
think about distance and that help overcome its disadvantages in
learning, health care, relationships,
culture and other domains. By tackling questions like those
listed above, the Lab aims to be at the international forefront of
innovation in digital media and communication technologies.
Inspired by the culture of the MIT Media Lab, Distance Lab
is developing an interdisciplinary work environment full of radically
creative scientists, designers, artists, and engineers from all over
the world. The Lab places emphasis on building working prototypes and
demonstrations of new technologies and channeling these into new
products and services in the global marketplace.
Distance Lab wishes to have a significant and positive effect in
the world, both intellectually and commercially. Unlike conventional
academic institutes, Distance Lab is a private company,
enabling it to operate at the clockspeed expected by industry.
Nevertheless, the Lab is also an active participant in the
international academic research community.
Distance Lab will be a distributed research lab, with nodes
of activity in several geographic locations, connected together over
the Internet. Operating in this unique context will be a research
project in itself, providing researchers with a source first-hand
experience and insight into distance-related issues.
Distance Lab was launched in January 2007 in the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland with its first office at Horizon Scotland in
Forres. It is expected that additional activity will develop in other
parts of the Highlands and Islands and beyond over the coming months.
The Lab is developing experimental learning opportunities and
workshops that overlap and complement its research activity. The Lab
also adheres to a high environmental standard, doing business
without paper as often as possible and developing technologies that
use energy efficiently and that employ materials produced in an
environmentally-friendly manner.
Though it gains inspiration from regional problems and
opportunities, Distance Lab aspires to have an impact in people's
lives and in businesses no matter where in the world they reside. The
Lab is open to developing alliances, partnerships, and other forms of
activity together with other organizations anywhere in the world.
Distance Lab offers partnership programmes for companies
and organisations that want to tap to tap directly into the Lab's
know-how and research outputs. In addition to its self-directed
activity, the Lab also provides specific advisory services and
engages in innovative contracted projects in a broad range of
technology and design development areas.
Read the press release about the launch of the Lab...
Distance Lab Operating Plan FY 2008-09
Distance Lab is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, an economic development agency covering the north
and west of Scotland.
| 
