SiDE is an interdisciplinary research project aimed at realising the potential for digital technologies to transform the lives of people who are socially excluded. Poor health, disability, family breakdown, poverty and unemployment are just some of the reasons why people of all ages may become marginalised from society. SiDE aims to tackle social exclusion by making it easier for people to access the life-changing benefits offered by digital technologies.

The Digital Economy Research Hub aims to tackle social exclusion by making it easier for people to access the life-changing benefits offered by digital technologies. The £12 million Hub is based at Newcastle University and is a key element of the EPSRC Digital Economy research programme. The Hub, in which the University of Dundee will also play a key role, will address four fields where digital technologies and the building of a truly inclusive digital economy could deliver major social benefits: Connected Home & Community; Accessibility; Inclusive Transport Services; and Creative Industries.

Social exclusion is a complex and increasing problem. SiDE researchers are therefore working directly with these marginalised groups to understand their needs, and explore the potential for digital technologies and approaches to transform lives. The team will work with a group of 3000 volunteers from the Dundee and Newcastle areas, including people from a range of age groups and with a variety of disabilities. In the North East, a large panel of older people recruited and supported by Years Ahead, the Regional Forum on Ageing which is a key partner in the Hub, will be involved.

Personhood in Dementia                          Reminiscence Room

Play Therapy                                               Lover’s Box

My Great North Run

Date: Oct 2009 – Sept 2014

Funding: EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) £10,422,667

Researchers: Paul Watson (PI).

Patrick Olivier, Atau Tanaka, Phil Blythe, Aad van Moorsel, Feng Li, Ranald Richardson, and Lynne Corner (CIs).

Thomas Ploetz,  Nils Hammerla,  Olga Pykhtina,  Anja Thieme,  Cas Ladha,  Gavin Wood,  Karim Ladha,  Dan Jackson, Abigail Durrant.

Collaborators: Vicki Hanson (University of Dundee).

See some photos from the Digital Economy Research Hub Launch at the British Library

Visit the SiDE Project website

Publications:

2010

Engagement at Culture Lab Newcastle: The SiDE Project and Beyond (2010) Lalya Gaye, Andreia Cavaco, Areti Galani, Rachel Clarke, Jamie Allen, Atau Tanaka, Digital Futures 10, UK (2010), pdf