Many of the major challenges and opportunities that face our 21st century world are a result of the dynamic behaviour of invisible things – atoms and molecules. It is impossible for humans to directly see or interact at the nano-scale due to the size and speed of nano scale particles. A step change is required in the way we, as a whole society, engage with global challenges, such as climate change mitigation, combatting antimicrobial resistance and supplying clean water access for all. My vision is to create a new scientifc ecosystem based around a software platform (Nano Simbox) that is designed (visually, socially and experientially) in a way that changes the way people think about and interact with scientific challenges that affect the world around them. Sharing of user generated content is a vital part of the vision and ultimately the platform will be a place that can be used by cutting edge researchers to crowd source scientific solutions. During this project we will carry out crucial design and development work to provide a mechanism for user generated content in Nano Simbox, so a user can define the scientific world that they want to explore and then step into simulations that are underpinned by real science. The applications of this product are in education and scientific research.

Interactive Scientific Ltd (iSci) is a multi-award winning company focussed on creating products and learning experiences that enable people to develop an intuitive understanding of the behaviour of the invisible and dynamic atomic and molecular Nano-world, which is too small for our eyes to see. Drawing on a diverse team with expertise that spans rigorous molecular research, real-time computing, and integrated hardware-software design, iSci is developing a product called the Nano Simbox. The Nano Simbox is a next-generation educational platform that exploits a range of new human-computer-interaction (HCI) technology to allow students to interactively manipulate real-time molecular simulations. This quality product, currently at demonstrator stage, uses intuitive interaction, demonstrated learning potential, and engaging visualizations to make science accessible and fun for all learner types. It is an excellent tool for teaching subjects that are difficult to understand. In this project we will embark on pre-commercial trialling of the Nano Simbox.

Interactive Scientific are developing a digital product that uses gesturing and interactive technology along with gaming techniques to create an immersive education environment The product has grown from expertise in chemical physics, computational science, visualisation techniques and user experience and an innovation voucher will allow us to bring in external expertise to drive the commercial direction of the product.

Interactive Scientific has developed the multi-award winning danceroom Spectroscopy (dS) technology, an integrated software/hardware system with the potential to transform the way science is taught in schools. dS takes the atomic nano-world out of textbooks so it exists all around us, enabling students to interact with, manipulate and understand atoms. It has huge potential for enhancing the understanding of abstract science in schools, often only accessible to the brightest pupils. Visualisation and interaction is at the heart of dS, improving attainment amongst learners at KS3/4. The dS team includes chemists, computer scientists and creative technologists, working closely with educators to determine the areas of the curriculum that can be most enhanced with this technology. The project outlined in this proposal is for pre-industrial research to overcome challenges of moving the technology onto platforms that can be feasibly used in schools. This involves consideration of technical, design, pedagogical and commercial aspects.