University of Bristol’s  Research

Bristol Vision Institute (BVI)

The University of Bristol is a world leader in vision research, spanning human and animal vision, artificial vision systems, visual information processing and the creative arts. Bristol Vision Institute (BVI) was formed in 2008 on the basis of strength across disciplines, bringing together some 170 associates from Engineering, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Ophthalmology, Anatomy, History of Art, Film and Television and Medicine. BVI is one of the largest vision groups in Europe and is unique worldwide in terms of its scope.

BVI’s research is conducted under three linked themes:

• Visual Engagement: Only through measurement of immersion can we truly understand the influence of technology (display format, dynamic range, compression and viewing environment) on the creative process and user experience. This is essential, for example, if we are to understand the impact of emerging formats on cinematography and are to develop the next generations of camera, display and delivery technology.
• Vision in Motion: Building on the success of BVI’s Wellcome-funded Motion Lab, BVI’s focus will be on linking vision, body dynamics and the analysis of visual environments, with applications across autonomous systems, rehabilitation and disease impact, and motion capture for rehearsal and animation.
• Finding and Hiding Things: By better understanding animal vision systems and visual environments we will drive new solutions in visual search, scene understanding, quality assessment, surveillance, navigation, medical treatments and ophthalmology.

Email: bvi-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk

Visual Information Laboratory (VI Lab)

The University of Bristol’s Visual Information Laboratory (VI-Lab) exists to undertake innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary research resulting in world-leading technology in the areas of computer vision, image and video communications, content analysis and distributed sensor systems. VI-Lab was formed in 2010 from a building a collaboration across the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. It now hosts some 70 researchers – one of the largest groupings of its type in the UK. 

Email: bvi-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk

Research and Enterprise Divison (RED)

The Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre (QTIC) offers dedicated facilities and support services for quantum and deep tech companies to launch, grow and connect. Its mission is to support academic researchers, early-stage entrepreneurs and startup companies to become commercially viable by providing affordable access to specialist facilities, business support and a network of investors, business and industry.  

QTIC builds on the University of Bristol’s world-leading reputation for research and support in quantum technologies, as the home to the Bristol Quantum Information Institute and one of only two UKRI-funded Centres for Doctoral Training in quantum engineering in the UK, alongside its extensive links to industry.

Email: Qtic-info@bristol.ac.uk

Engine Shed

Engine Shed is a collaboration between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol. Engine Shed’s aspiration is to be an ‘incubator of incubators’ with multiple, diverse and independent “Components”, each having an incubation-type function and benefitting from co-location.

The initial Components were:

• A technology incubator – SETsquared Bristol
• An Internet Accelerator – WebStart Bristol
• Inward Investment – Invest in Bristol & Bath
• Co-working Space – Neardesk
• Policy & growth engine – The West of England LEP
• Membership-only Business Lounge. Founder members were the Universities of Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol and UWE, The IoD and Bristol Media
• Suite of meeting and seminar spaces, including Brunel’s Boardroom, offered at 25% discount to University of Bristol staff

The business model for Engine Shed is a lease by the University of Bristol from Bristol City Council, splitting operating surplus between BCC and to SETsquared, with 30% for development of the facility and for enterprise projects that stimulate economic activity in and around Engine Shed.