News Story

KMi’s Prof.Advaith Siddharthan received £922,000 grant to revolutionize science education with haptic touch experiences

Nancy Pontika, Wednesday 25 Sep 2024

Prof. Advaith Siddharthan’s project, ‘Feeling the Untouchable: Haptic touch experiences for naturalistic learning,’ has secured a £922,000 grant to enhance sensory learning through touch. Collaborating with Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh, the project aims to revolutionize science education by integrating tactile experiences, making abstract concepts like electromagnetic forces more tangible for students. This approach will also support children with visual impairments, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

Launching in October 2024, the project will develop digital haptic interfaces to facilitate touch-based learning both indoors and outdoors. Success will be evaluated through surveys assessing student engagement and attitudes toward science. The project aligns with the University’s Open Societal Challenges platform, advocating for a bottom-up, inclusive approach in education. By reclaiming the value of touch, it aims to make science more engaging and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.