The research which will conducted by the University of Aberdeen’s RCUK Rural Digital Economy Research Hub was showcased to government and industry representatives at an event in London this week
The event coincided with the official commencement of funding for the centre on October 1.
The University was awarded £12.4 million of funding in April by the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Digital Economy Programme, led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), to create the centre which will investigate how digital technologies can transform rural communities, society and business.
Aberdeen was one of three universities, alongside Newcastle and Nottingham, funded to create such centres.
Researchers from the three Hubs highlighted the benefits and potential impacts of the research they will undertake, at an event hosted by the EPSRC at London’s BT Tower.
Professor Peter Edwards, Technical Director of the Rural Digital Economy Research Hub, and Professor John Nelson, Chair in Transport Studies, profiled the Aberdeen Hub’s plan for research into technologies that can improve healthcare provision and economic sustainability in rural communities.
The University of Aberdeen’s Rural Digital Economy Research Hub will focus on four main research themes: accessibility and mobilities; healthcare; enterprise and culture, and natural resource conservation.