Enabling a holographic society, making mixed reality experiences accessible, energy consumption of video streaming, and trust in human robot teams were just some of the demonstrations and projects being showcased at BDFI last month for a visit by Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser.

Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Jennifer Rubin was also present for the visit. 

University of Bristol Vice Chancellor and President Prof. Evelyn Welch welcomed Dame Angela and her team, and joined the tour that took in the range of facilities we offer.

Our neutral lab space played host to nine different demonstrations of current BDFI activities and seedcorn projects.

One of these demonstrations was the use of BDFI’s nomadic node (5G internet in a box) using cutting-edge wireless networking technology to generate high-quality 3D holographic images and videos in real time.

As well as the project demonstrations, the tour included a detailed look at BDFI’s Reality Emulator – our pioneering digital twin facility which is currently under construction.

BDFI Co-Director Prof Dimitra Simeonidou led the tour. She said: “It was wonderful to be able to host Dame Angela and her team.

"There is a such a wealth of activity taking place at BDFI and it was inspiring to see so much being demonstrated under one roof. Thank you to everyone who helped to prepare for the visit and make it such a success.”

Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean said: “I was delighted to tour the wide-ranging, highly engaging and innovative projects at BDFI during my visit to Bristol.

"It was a great opportunity to take a look at how digital technology can add value to society and improve it, which is very important in the rapidly evolving world that we live in.

"Thank you to everyone involved for hosting me and my team.”