The CRCRM pilot scheme supports interdisciplinary ideas emerging from the research community, and aims to unlock new research, approaches and methods, encourage new and unexpected types of interdisciplinary research and support research that will be potentially transformative for the participating disciplines or lead to the creation of new disciplines.

The projects receiving funding in the first funding round from CRCRM cover a range of subjects and themes, and include a project to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) to predict a video clip’s potential impact on children’s ability to learn, understand and develop self-control.

The project, led by Professor Tim Smith from the University of the Arts London and working across four research organisations, will help media firms check whether content is developmentally appropriate for their target audience, aiding in the creation of higher-quality content and allowing parents to make more informed decisions on content selection.

This project will specifically focus on the impact of children’s media on ages three to six, and will bring together a team of researchers from children’s animation practice, media theory, developmental psychology, neuroscience and AI.

Other projects receiving UKRI funding include a snake-like robot to treat bile duct cancer, historical accounts that inform marine ecosystem management and degradation of toxic organic pollutants. 

A second round of funding is also launching, with a further £32.5m available.  

Professor Alison Park, UKRI Cross Research Council Responsive Mode champion and deputy executive chair at the Economic and Social Research Council, said: “The perspectives of different disciplines, working together in collaboration, are vital to solving some of the most pressing problems we face as a society.

“The UKRI cross research council responsive mode scheme is designed to break down silos and champion research that transcends, combines and significantly spans traditional discipline boundaries.

“We were all excited to see the innovative and bold approaches being adopted to tackle major issues ranging from climate change to global healthcare and look forward to following their progress.”