View all news

Heart rates to be recorded at concerts in St George's Bristol

16 January 2025

As part of new research on the impact of collective experiences, Professor Iain Gilchrist reveals how he is measuring audience responses to live music at St George's

MyWorld project Scientists, from both the University of Bristol and the University of Bath, will look into how the body reacts between live and stream performances at the St George venue. 

Iain tells the BBC:

"We know that when audience members are immersed or engaged in content their heart rates become synchronised which is amazing.

"So this means we can use the heart rate as a marker of how engaged audiences are. 

"We also want to use this event as a way to amplify locally, regionally, but also nationally how important live events are and how important venues like this amazing venue are to our community and city. 

"We know that since the pandemic a number of live venues had reduced numbers turning up to events so we want to really highlight what's special about the live experience." 

Further information

You can read the full article on BBC News

Edit this page