Digital x Data Research Centre
The Digital x Data Research Centre addresses local, national, and global opportunities and challenges related to digitalization and datafication, with a focus on the latest advancements in AI and data science. Our work aims to harness the transformative potential of technology without losing sight of consequences, broadly related to responsibility, explainability, and sustainability. LSBU’s global reputation for reducing inequalities further underscores our commitment to conducting research that not only advances knowledge but also promotes social justice.
In pursuit of these aims, we believe that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary, drawing from science and technology as well as the arts and humanities. Furthermore, we combine an applied and practical approach with sustainable partnerships and exchanges between academia, industry and the public sector. This not only fosters innovation but also ensures that our research has a tangible, real-world impact and clear and transformative sense of purpose.
We are currently working on four research themes, broadly described as ♻️ green infrastructures, 🤖 AI and digital literacies, 🔁 smart buildings and digital twins, ⚖️ law and digitisation.
To find out more, ✉️ please contact us.
| News | Events | Papers |
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LSBU's Issa Chaer, Geoff Cox, Hua Zhong and Eva Sopeoglu visited The Hague University of Applied Sciences in March 2026, and amongst other things, attended an inspiring presentation about Den Haag's Central Innovation District and a demonstration of their ongoing work with digital twins.
Applications for LSBU's successful AHRC Doctoral Focal Award ADAPT-AI (with King’s College London and Guildhall School of Music & Drama) are now closed and we are in the process of selecting candidates for an October start. |
DxD26: Infrastructure + Intelligibility is the second annual conference of the Digital x Data Research Centre at LSBU, 01-02 July 2026. Our keynote will be Professor Rizal Sebastian, who is Chair Professor of Future Urban Systems at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and joined us as Visiting Professor from November 2025. Book your free place HERE. Details of the CRAIL (Creative and Responsible AI Lab) pilot programme (convened by Tim Fransen and Marie-Josiane Agossou) can be found here, including video documentation of all public talks. | Publications by DxD researchers can be found on LSBU's PURE platform HERE.
DxD also supports the DATA browser book series with Open Humanities Press. The latest book is Decentring Ethics, published Sept 2025, and upcoming Curating Superintelligences. |
Researchers associated with DxD are listed below.
| LSBU RESEARCHERS |
| Zulfikar Adamu (Associate Professor in Construction, Property and Surveying) |
| Marie-Josiane Agossou (Technical Services Manager) |
| Aarbaz Alam (Lecturer in Computer Science) |
| Safia Barikzai (Associate Professor in Computer Science and Informatics) |
| Georgina Bartlett (Lecturer in Psychology) |
| Matthew Bond (Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences) |
| Brahim El Boudani (Lecturer in AR/VR and Software Engineering) |
| Malachy Buck (Lecturer in Planning) |
| Meda Burghelea (Lecturer in Marketing) |
| Oswaldo Cadenas (Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering) |
| Daqing Chen (Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Infomatics) |
| Geoff Cox (Professor of Art and Computational Culture, and DxD Director) |
| Tasos Dagiuklas (Professor in Computer Science and Informatics) |
| Rodney Day (Professor, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation) |
| Abouzar Estebsari (Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering) |
| Valerio Ficcadenti (Associate Professor in Finance, Economics, Accounting and Analytics) |
| Tim Fransen (Technical Tutor, Web Publishing and Design) |
| Frank Ato Ghansah (Lecturer in Quantity Surveying, Construction Property and Surveying) |
| Sevan Harput (Associate Professor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering) |
| Ozan Kamiloglu (Senior Lecturer in Law) |
| Kasra Kassai (Lecturer in Finance, Economics, Accounting and Analytics) |
| Elena Marchevska (Professor of Artistic Research) |
| Yakim Milev (Lecturer in Architectural Design) |
| Job Momoh (Senior Lecturer in Construction, Property and Surveying) |
| Thikrait O'Keefe (Senior Lecturer in Digital Innovation) |
| Lucia Otoyo (Associate Dean Academic and Quality Assurance, Engineering) |
| Ioana Petkova (Lecturer in Architectural History and Theory) |
| Kristina Pulejkova (XR Studio Manager) |
| Federico Rossi (Associate Lecturer in Architecture) |
| Ali Salimian (Senior Lecturer in Engineering) |
| Eva Sopéoglou (Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Design) |
| Rory Summerley (Senior Lecturer in Games Design) |
| Daniel Wing Hang Tang (Lecturer in Architecture) |
| Igea Troiani (Professor, and Head of School of Architecture and Planning) |
| Chika Udeaja (Professor in Construction, Property and Surveying) |
| Andy Unger (Associate Professor in Law) |
| VISITING ACADEMICS |
| Rizal Sebastian (Professor in Future Urban Systems, The Hague University of Applied Sciences) |
| Annet Dekker (Associate Professor in Comparative Cultural Analysis, University of Amsterdam) |
| Renée Ridgway (Visiting Research Fellow, from 01 March 2025) |
| PHD RESEARCHERS |
| Kendal Beynon (w/ The Photographers' Gallery) |
| Hamza Zaman |
| Sami Itävuori (w/ Royal College of Art & Tate) |
| markas fortunatas klisius (w/ Whitechapel Gallery) |
| Bhargavi Mistry |
| Beatrice Asia Taylor Searle |
| Lorenzo Aimo (Visiting PhD Researcher, University of Milan) |
* All staff profiles associated with DxD can be found here.
Find out ways to work with us or get in touch to discuss new collaborations.
We work closely with the following research groups at LSBU: CSNI (Centre for the Study of the Networked Image), SITHub (Smart Internet Technologies Hub) and DARLAB (Digital Architectural and Robotics Lab).
Amongst others, our current partners include:
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The Digital x Data Research Centre draws upon the following resources: XR Studio and Creative and Responsible AI Lab (CRAIL).
XR Studio
The XR Studio is a digital creation and research facility that uses cutting-edge technology to support academic research and creative businesses in prototyping and designing new immersive and interactive products and processes. Located at LSBU’s Southwark Campus at The Hub building, the XR Studio is equipped with the latest technology suited for Virtual Production, 3D modelling, VR / AR / XR experience prototyping, Motion Capture technology and high-spec computers equipped with game engines and creative development software for making new and exciting work using creative technology.
Currently, the studio is being used by creative businesses as part of the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) South London programme, which works to boost business growth in South London with a range of support programmes, industry networks, funding, and workspaces.
Studio Manager: Kristina Pulejkova
Creative and Responsible AI Lab (CRAIL)
The Creative and Responsible AI Lab (CRAIL) is part of LSBU’s Digital × Data Research Centre, dedicated to advancing innovation and best practice in creative and ethical applications of AI. Through hands-on workshops, guest talks and curated film screenings, CRAIL brings together an interdisciplinary community of technical staff, academics, professional services colleagues, students, and external partners. We exchange knowledge, test new tools, and co-develop projects and resources that enhance learning, teaching, and research. Our approach combines hands-on experimentation with critical reflection – helping LSBU and its partners explore AI’s potential, understand when it should (or shouldn’t) be used, and learn how to incorporate responsible practices into creative and educational activities.
Co-founders and convenors:
Tim Fransen – Technical Tutor / Researcher / Designer
Marie-Josiane Agossou – Technical Services Manager
Upcoming and archived events:
| 01 & 02 July 2026, @LSBU | DxD26: Infrastructure + Intelligibility, our second annual conference will take place at LSBU, 01-02 July 2026. More details and booking information here. |
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| 29 May 2026, @TPG | Ghost in the Loop, at The Photographers’ Gallery on Friday 29th May at 18:00, including a performance by Shaheer Tarar and a sticker swap. More details and booking information here. |
| 30 Apr 2026, @LSBU | We Are Making a Film About Mark Fisher, screening and discussion, Event Theatre, LSBU, at 18:00 on 30th April 2026. More details and booking information here. |
| 08 & 09 April 2026, online | Practicing Experimental Books, online conference celebrating the conclusion of the Open Book Futures project, including the participation of Geoff Cox. More details and booking information here. |
| 25 Mar 2026, online | Slow AI, Digital Worlds, and Creative Practice at the V&A Museum, online presentation by Maria Than, at 14:30-15:00 on 25th March 2026. Part of the CRAIL programme. More information here. |
| 18 Mar 2026, online | Building Citizen Literacy for Robust AI, online presentation by Murray Webster (Fractal AI), 14:30-15:30, 18th March 2026. Part of the CRAIL programme. More information here. |
| 11 Mar 2026, @TPG | Workers are Leaving the Factory – world models and AI after cinema presentation by Leonardo Impett (Bibliotheca Hertziana & University of Cambridge), at 16:00, 11th March 2026, at The Photographers' Gallery. More information here. |
| 18 Feb 2026, online | AI Jetée talk/screening with Adrian Goycoolea (University of Sussex), at 14:00, 18th February 2026, online. Part of the CRAIL programme. More information here. |
| 28 Jan 2026, @TPG | How AI Unmakes Images – The Legal Aesthetics of Copyright, with Séverine Dusollier and Nicolas Malevé (Law School, Sciences Po Paris), moderated by Ozan Kamiloglu (LSBU), at 18:30, 28th January 2026, The Photographers' Gallery. For more details and to book a place here. |
| 10 Dec 2025, @LSBU | Prompt - generate - try again - compete!, AI prompt battle/generator, 4-6pm (BR151) organised by one of our PhD students, Sami Itavouri. Expect hallucinations, a supportive environment and gameshow hosting. More details here . |
| 03 Dec 2025, @LSBU | Screening + Q&A: The Invisible Doctrine, with filmmakers Peter Hutchison and Lucas Sabean, exploring the roots and reach of neoliberalism in a film that deliberately uses generative AI. Part of the CRAIL programme. More information here. |
| 27 Nov 2025, @LSBU | Making 3D Objects using Generative AI, workshop with Kristina Pulejkova, to explore how prompt-based generative AI can be used to create 3D objects and turned into augmented reality (AR) prototypes. Part of the CRAIL programme. Further details here. |
| 25-27 Nov 2025, @LSBU | Research & Innovation Festival, including the workshop "Making AI Work for Your Research", Tuesday 25th Nov at 11am, with Caitlin Bentley (King’s College/Responsible AI), Geoff Cox, Catherine Kimber, and Lucia Otoyo (all LSBU). See the schedule here. |
| 26 Nov 2025, @TPG | Teachers' Workshop: GenAI in the Classroom, 6pm at The Photographers' Gallery, a friendly session for teachers to share ideas, concerns, and experiences of using AI in the classroom. More details here. |
| 29 Oct 2025, online | CRAIL public talk: The Talking Tree Project, online talk with creative technologist Evan Greally (Droga5 Dublin) on using generative AI, live environmental data and storytelling to give nature a voice. Further details here. |
| 23 Oct 2025, @TPG | Günseli Yalcinkaya discusses how folklore help us to navigate today’s digital chaos. Talk at The Photographers’ Gallery, 18:30-19:45, Thursday 23 October 2025. For more details and to book a place here. |
| 04 Oct 2025, @LSBU | Collective Infrastructures for Publishing, hybrid symposium at LSBU, with the participation of members of CC (creative crowds), Constant, Hackers & Designers, In-grid, OBF Experimental Publishing Group, SHAPE, Minor Compositions, noNames, Systerserver, TITiPI, and Varia. More details here.
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| 24 Sept 2025, @UEH | Every image embodies a way of seeing, online keynote lecture by Geoff Cox, as part of ArtTech Fusion 25, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. More details here.
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| 19-21 Sept 2025, @LSBU | Hack the System, an event with the participation of Valerio Ficcadenti to co-design South London's Creative and Democratic Future, Community Wealth Building in the Creative and Digital Sector in South London, LSBU's Croydon campus. More details here. |
| 9-11 Sept 2025, @Sussex | RAi UK Skills Projects, including our 'Ways of [Machine] Seeing' project were showcased at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, held at the University of Sussex. As part of a dedicated panel, projects presented their outcomes and perspectives on how responsible AI skills can be nurtured in schools and communities. To know more about RAi UK skills projects, visit the webpage.
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| 03 & 04 July 2025, @LSBU | Infrastructure + Methodological Diversity, DxD annual conference at LSBU, with keynotes by Orit Halpern (Technische Universität Dresden) and Ezekiel Dixon-Román (Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Urban and Minority Education, Columbia University). Further contributions from Oliver Cronk (Scott Logic), Bernard Keenan (UCL), Connal Parsley (Kent), Sol Pérez Martínez (ETH Zürich), Astrid Wynne (Techbuyer Europe) & Compiler. More details and booking here.
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| 28 June 2025, @TPG | Exploring GenAI and Visual Literacy, launch event of our Ways of Machine Seeing learning resource for art educators at The Photographers' Gallery, working in collaboration with UCL Institute of Education , TPG and Secondary School teachers, and funded by Responsible AI (EPRSC). More details and booking here. |
| 06 May 2025, @TPG | Eryk Salvaggio, presentation at The Photographers' Gallery. More details here. |
| 30 April 2025, @LSBU | Amanda Wasielewski (Uppsala University), presentation as part of the CSNI guest speaker series at Borough Road Gallery. More details here. |
| 02 April 2025, @LSBU | Lorenzo Aimo (University of Milan), visiting researcher presentation at Borough Road Gallery. More details here.
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| 05 March 2025, @LSBU | Kristina Pulejkova, presentation and intro to XR Studio at LSBU Hub. More here. Elena Marchevska, Inaugural Professorial lecture at LSBU Hub. More details here. |
| 20 Feb 2025, @Whitechapel | Doublethinking AI, panel discussion with Ramon Amaro (Nieuwe Instituut), Maya Indira Ganesh (University of Cambridge) and Maria Dada (UAL), at Whitechapel Gallery. More details here.
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| 05 Feb 2025, @LSBU | Zaiba Jabbar, presentation as part of the CSNI guest speaker series at Borough Road Gallery. More details here. |
| 20 Nov 2024, @LSBU | LSBU Research & Innovation Festival, including launch of the five new interdisciplinary University Research Centres. |
| 14 Nov 2024, @LSBU | London R event, organised by Valerio Ficcadenti from the Business School, and hosted by Jeremy Horne from Datacove. |
