Dr Jane Harris has recently been appointed as Professor of Design in the School of Communication Design, Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Kingston University. Her current practice includes working with 2D computer graphics (CG), 3D CG modelling and animation tools, including Photoshop, After Effects and Alias Wavefront Maya, VICON optical motion capture and data analysis, 3D Body scanning to develop ‘real time’ visualisation solutions for textile/dress and the body and 2&3D projection solutions. Jane develops 3D computer graphic (CG) animation visualisation and installation works within research and visual art contexts and is a writer, curator, convenor and consultant on research practice. Her Ph.D study was an enquiry into the value of material skills in aesthetically altering the potential of digital imaging media and the 3D computer graphic (CG) animation work resulting from this received the prestigious Art Foundation Award, 1994. A recipient of a NESTA fellowship to run from 2006-09, Harris has received Innovation and Small awards from The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 2002 & 2001, The Arts Council of England (ACE) 2001, the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation Award 1998 and The Hi-Tech Award, The Arts Council and Channel 4 1996. Recent artwork involves enquiry into digital ‘portrayal’, ‘identity’ and ‘self’ using 3D body scanning and motion capture technology. As a practitioner her research topics include: a revaluation of material and tacit knowledge in the context of evolving digital imaging and interactive technology; development of digital methods to research, examine and exhibit historical dress; new design and presentation paradigms in relation to ‘future’ fashion using digital and interactive media; ‘crafting’ computer graphics. As visiting lecturer, Harris has worked extensively in the UK and internationally; she has served as an advisor to the Scottish Arts Council, more recently to the Arts Council of England and the EPSRC/ AHRB. Recent exhibitions include:’Fabrication’, Bonnington Gallery, Nottingham, 2005…‘Touch Me’, V&A, London, 2005…‘Space Between’ Perth, Australia 2004…Empress’s New Clothes’, The Museum of London 2004…‘Forget Me Not & Other Stories’, ICA, London 2003…‘Precious’, Millennium Galleries, Sheffield, inaugural exhibition, curated by the Victoria and Albert Museum 2001 and commissioned installation…‘Portrayal’, Crafts Council, London 2000. Recent Publications Include: 2005 ‘Crafting Computer Graphics’ by Jane Harris – Textile: The Journal of Cloth and Culture, Digital Issue (pub Berg). 2004 ‘Virt’uous Dress’ by Jane Harris and Bernard Walsh – Space Between Conference (pub Curtin University of Technology). 2003 ‘Socerers’ Apprentice’ by Jane Harris and Bernard Walsh – Innovations in Art and Design, New Visions in Performance. ed by Gavin Carver and Colin Beardon (pub. Swets & Zeitlinger). Harris’ enquiry into hybrid practice and evolving technology is further explored in the development of conferences PixelRaiders 2002, PixelRaiders2 2004. And more recently in collaboration with SCAN, ASF Weave & the University of Wales, Newport, convened the conference ‘Wearable Futures’: Hybrid Culture in the Design and Development of Soft Technology’, September 2005.
Research Centres
"We have consolidated our research strengths through the creation of centres of research excellence and are committed to providing a supportive environment."
Professor Penny Sparke, Kingston University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise
Professor Penny Sparke, Kingston University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise
Research Degrees
… a flexible approach to carrying out research… allowing you to study on a full-time basis or to combine your research studies with employment…
Research Projects
We have a growing number of active international collaborations, and our expanding community of home and international research students contributes significantly to our success.
Research Outputs
RAE Units of Assessment 2008
The Government’s Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) rates the quality of all research in UK universities. The latest assessment (2008) rated 70% of Kingston University’s research submissions as excellent at international level. This assessment has meant the University’s research grant from the Higher Education Funding Body for England has nearly tripled this year.
Under the new rating system, 12 of the 18 units we submitted achieved between five and 15% at 4*, denoting world-leading research. A full list of the 2008 ratings is on the RAE website.
Strengths flagged for individual units of assessment include:
— Computer Science and Informatics4 (23) – developing staff; collaboration with industry and users and Art and Design11 (63) – indications of sustainability and esteem.
Research in the Computing and Informatics category was well-rated in the recent Research Assessment Exercise. Overall, 80% of research activity was judged to be at an international level or higher with 5% judged world leading. In fact compared with other HE institutions, the Faculty's Computing and Informatics research has made one of the most substantial jumps in position in RAE2008 ranking tables. In particular, CISM is recognised as a world-leading player in research in intelligent visual surveillance. Our Digital Imaging Research Centre, a centre of excellence for research, has nearly twenty researchers working including academics, visiting professors and researchers, making it one of the largest centres in this topic worldwide.
During the past few years, the University has also supervised many research degree students undertaking projects such as curating contemporary design; film and television screen design; e-commerce; innovation and entrepreneurship; creative industries and the creative economy.
Under the new rating system, 12 of the 18 units we submitted achieved between five and 15% at 4*, denoting world-leading research. A full list of the 2008 ratings is on the RAE website.
Strengths flagged for individual units of assessment include:
— Computer Science and Informatics4 (23) – developing staff; collaboration with industry and users and Art and Design11 (63) – indications of sustainability and esteem.
Research in the Computing and Informatics category was well-rated in the recent Research Assessment Exercise. Overall, 80% of research activity was judged to be at an international level or higher with 5% judged world leading. In fact compared with other HE institutions, the Faculty's Computing and Informatics research has made one of the most substantial jumps in position in RAE2008 ranking tables. In particular, CISM is recognised as a world-leading player in research in intelligent visual surveillance. Our Digital Imaging Research Centre, a centre of excellence for research, has nearly twenty researchers working including academics, visiting professors and researchers, making it one of the largest centres in this topic worldwide.
During the past few years, the University has also supervised many research degree students undertaking projects such as curating contemporary design; film and television screen design; e-commerce; innovation and entrepreneurship; creative industries and the creative economy.