Thirty years of Art, Design and Media Research at Sheffield Hallam University
This story not only illustrates how important a vision and a sense of purpose is, but also how building a community of colleagues with a passion for their field, with a desire to push boundaries, to dream and to deliver together will generate impact and longevity. I am so pleased to have travelled alongside as an onlooker, and thrilled that such excellence exists in the world of art, design and media research.
Rachel Cooper OBE
Distinguished Professor of Design Management and Policy
Lancaster University
President Design Research Society
Past Founding Chair European Academy of Design
ADMRC:
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The Art, Design and Media Research Centre (ADMRC) is one of the longest established centres for research in the arts in the UK.
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Founded in 1993 as the Art and Design Research Centre (ADRC), it is a centre of excellence whose researchers are involved in the development of new methods and techniques for research. The generation and application of these has produced new insights in the creation of designs, works of art, film and media that contribute to social, environmental, cultural and economic well-being regionally, nationally and internationally. Now led by Professor Lise Autogena (Professor of Cross Disciplinary Art) the centre develops, leads, delivers and manages research across its constituent disciplines.
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For more information about the research centre, visit: ADMRC​
Remembering Rachel Cooper OBE
Since this publication was written we are so sad to hear that Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE has sadly passed away.
Rachel was a Visiting Professor to Lab4Living and a valued member of the Art, Design and Media Research community at Sheffield Hallam University. In reflecting on her life and work, we reminded ourselves of who Rachel was, what she gave to us and to the wider sector and how we knew her. These memories include colleagues proud to say they taught Rachel at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, and others equally proud to recall being firmly - but fairly - ‘grilled’ by her during their PhD viva (and passing).
As many have said, Rachel was a colossus in the world of Design Research: a visionary, a pioneer, and an extraordinary research leader. She championed the transformative power of design and the importance of research within our discipline. Tirelessly, she pushed and questioned boundaries, playing an instrumental role in numerous national and international initiatives. Through this work, she helped build a global design research community and shape policy and practice in the UK and beyond.
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​For us, Rachel was officially a Visiting Professor advising on our research strategy. Yet our memories will always be simply of Rachel: her warmth, generosity of spirit, remarkable kindness, and wonderful sense of fun.
​Despite her many accolades, titles, and positions, she never changed. Whether speaking with a PhD student or a Member of Parliament, she brought the same insight, humanity, and integrity - always remaining true to who she was and what she believed in.
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She was an inspiration to many of us in Lab4Living and the Art, Design and Media Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Her legacy continues to shape our thinking as well as the sectors about design research. Yet through her down-to-earth and deeply human nature, we will simply remember her as Rachel and share memories of her over a meal or drink.
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Here’s to you, Rachel, with thanks and great fondness.
Sheffield Hallam University
As one of the UK’s largest and most progressive universities, our teaching, research and partnerships are characterised by a focus on real world impact - addressing the health, economic and social challenges facing society today.
