The ADMRC, formerly Art and Design Research Centre, is a centre for arts-led applied research that interacts with, and transforms, society and culture. 

It leads and manages research in the disciplines of fine art, design and media production, and is headed up by Lisa Autogena, professor of cross-disciplinary art.

The outcome of the UK's 2014 Research Excellence Framework further confirmed the centre's standing as one of the leading art and design research centres nationally and internationally. 

Of the research outputs submitted by the former ADRC, 81% were adjudicated to be 'world-leading' (4*) and 'internationally excellent' (3*). Of this portfolio of research, 50% was adjudicated to be world leading. Our impact case studies and our impact strategy were all judged to be of 4* and 3* quality with 73.3% meeting the 4* criteria (world leading). 

Another component of the REF exercise is related to the physical environment and the support of academics, research assistants and students and again we were adjudicated to have 100% meeting the 4* and 3* criteria. These outstanding results are the outcome of over 20 years of development within the centre. 

Research activity takes place in four broad domains: 

• creative practices in healthcare,
• advanced making practices and theory,
• social, cultural and philosophical narratives, and 
• applied research in digital media

However, our interdisciplinary and operational approach recognises and enables these boundaries to be permeable as evidenced by diverse research and creative practice undertaken by our staff.

Researchers in ADMRC are involved in the development of new methods and techniques for research and their application in the generation of products, designs and works of art that change our understanding or create new knowledge that adds to social, cultural and economic well-being. 

Our research strategy focuses on the origination and generation of ideas and knowledge through practice, reflection and dialogue and its dissemination to other academics, practitioners, end users, commerce and industries. The centre actively supports and develops collaborative clusters to undertake large-scale research programmes as well as continuing support of the lone scholar. 

ADMRC is home to Lab4Living, a collaborative trans-disciplinary community of researchers in design, healthcare and creative practices and work together to address real world issues that impact on health and wellbeing.

Closely aligned to the ADMRC is Design Futures, delivering packaging and product design, research and development to industry. Design Futures has a proven track record as innovators being cited as inventors or contributors to a portfolio of intellectual property, it has accrued a number of design awards. 

For further information on our research activities, please visit the C3RI Impact Blog or contact

Professor Lise Autogena (Head of Centre)
Phone +44 (0)114 225 5555
Email L.Autogena@shu.ac.uk