Co-Create Gallery (photography, poetry and Documentary showcase)

My study aims to understand how the previous circumstances of the textile industry, available materials, and prominent movements are framing present trends in textile-design education in the United Kingdom. I will display a collection of photos from digital showcases of students, which I am analysing.

Meherunisa is a graphic designer and a current PhD candidate at Loughborough committed to reshaping the future of graphic design pedagogy. Her research involves bridging the gap between academia and industry. Collaborative by nature, Meherunisa seeks to pioneer novel teaching methods and pedagogical frameworks, aiming to empower future graphic designers. Driven by a vision of fostering a more adaptable and responsive educational environment, her aspiration is to leave an indelible mark on the realm of graphic design education.

Mark is a Reader in Nanotechnology within the Chemistry department of Loughborough University. He grew his research and impact over the 10 years to become a global leader in the field, working with collaborators in a range of industries and disciplines. The research developed novel IP and in 2019/20 Mark and Rhush Maugi explored the market fit and opportunity. They launched a spinout company called “Figura Analytics” in 2021. Mark is the acting CTO of the company.

Together they have been working on a creative response to Mark’s research.

Wim Van Mierlo is a Senior Lecturer in English.  An expert on literary archives, he is interested in the concepts and processes of creativity and making.  In his spare time he is a photographer working mainly in documentary photography and the new topographics.  Since 2022, he has been involved in ‘Focus on the Foundry’, a project photographing John Taylor & Co., Loughborough, the last remaining major bellfoundry in the UK.

Sandie Dann is a Professor of Materials Chemistry.  Her research involves designing chemical compounds to have useful properties towards a Net Zero future.  She is often inspired by natural geological materials, copying them and improving their properties by changing their chemical make-up. She is committed to communicating science in different accessible ways to a wide range of audiences.

Together they have been working on a photographic response to Sandie’s research.

Image: Preparing for headstock casting, John Taylor & Co., Bellfounders, Loughborough, May 2023.

'50 Years of Litter on Skye'
Loughborough musician Josh Wheatley and Loughborough geography academic Tom Stanton connected to score the music for a twenty-minute documentary about Tom's research, filmed by Loughborough University's press team. The documentary will be available to view, and Josh and Tom will discussing their collaboration at the Bridging the Gap Panel event on Tuesday 14th May 2024.

Caspar Wort is a poet. His work covers a wide range of topics, but he has a particular interest in science. He has had work published in Consilience (a journal of sciences and art) and in the Physics edition of Magma Poetry. His MA Dissertation involved writing a series of poems from the perspective of fundamental particles.

Katie Coveney has been working on the 'Living with Noonan Syndrome' project which focuses on the social and emotional impacts of living with disability and chronic illness, from the perspective of those whose lives are affected by this rare and complex genetic condition.

Noonan Syndrome impacts across multiple body systems and processes including cardiac, bone, circulatory, developmental, growth, endocrine, reproductive, neoplastic, neurological, ophthalmic, renal, blood, gastrointestinal and skin. Furthermore, there are a range of other issues that significantly impact on everyday life including behavioural and psychological issues, mobility problems, learning difficulties, sleep problems and mental health issues.

The research explores not only the inequalities, difficulties, challenges, uncertainties, hardships and feelings of isolation and vulnerability families living with Noonan Syndrome face in their daily lives, but also emphasizes those moments of health, stability, strength, belonging, joy, and the networks of care and caring that characterise living with a complex rare genetic condition.

Together they have been working on a poetic response to Katie’s project.