Portugal's Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute improves research capabilities
Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute (M-ITI) is a non-profit R&D organization, which was founded by the University of Madeira, Madeira Tecnopolo and Carnegie Mellon University. M-ITI operates in the interdisciplinary domain of human-computer interaction encapsulating contributions from computer science, psychology and design. Its work addresses important scientific and technological challenges that are both relevant to society and have significant economic impact. The institute strives to raise its standard as a recognised centre of excellence at international level, thanks to the support of private and public funded projects. In this context, the European Commission funded LEAPFROG M-ITI(opens in new window) (Enhancing the Research and Innovation Potential of M-ITI through Human-Computer Interaction and Design Innovation) project is supporting M-ITI in its quest to upgrade research and innovation within. The project reinforces knowledge transfer by linking with local and international partners with a focus on rapidly evolving applications domains such as the oceans and tourism, and be a leading driver for Madeira research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3). Achievements so far include hiring new faculty and staff, such as the ERA Chair, international partnerships, and research platforms. M-ITI also hired three new internationally recognized faculty from the fields of microfluidics, sociology of scientific knowledge, and speculative design. Together these represent an exponential increase in its ability to conduct multidisciplinary ꞌdeepꞌ HCI. International research partnerships include strong ties with Newcastle University, University College of London, Makerere University, and ITU Copenhagen. M-ITI commenced significant research programs around communications infrastructure, including in developing contexts like Romania Black Sea and East Africa, and received significant press coverage. Achievements so far also include secondments for M-ITI staff and ambitious networking with other institutions, in addition to defining a strategic vision for the school. The project also launched an effective communication strategy, a new corporate identity for the M-ITI. Training activities for faculty and staff have bolstered the project's aims, including several faculty exchange initiatives and an increase in students.