News

3-D imaging stars in new e-Science production

(1 May 2006)

Government Chief Scientist Sir David King enters a new dimension this week when he meets Durham University scientists for an update on their exciting work in e Science.

The purpose-built e-Science Research Institute, which he will officially open during his visit, uses massive computer power to process huge amounts of data and includes a spectacular 3-D large-screen facility for visualising scientific features in tremendous detail. The Institute also hosts a unique range of 3-D desktop displays donated by leading global manufacturers including Kodak, ColorLink and Sharp; these manufacturers are benefiting from Durham's scientific expertise to develop 3-D consumer applications including 3-D TV, 3-D games and the 3-D web. The Institute is one of the North’s premier scientific developments and a significant resource for the whole UK. It provides the network infrastructure necessary to utilise the electronic superhighway known as ‘the Grid’. Research projects are concerned with developing better techniques for processing and displaying information, which in turn can be used in many aspects of life – for example, medicine and bio-sciences, in industry, education and technology. Collaborative projects at the Institute bring computer scientists together with geologists, psychologists, cosmologists, mathematicians and experts in many other academic and business fields. Director of the e-Science Research Institute, Prof Malcolm Munro, said: “The power of e-Science helps to accelerate research work, develop spin-off companies and achieve new benefits for society. Durham is an established centre with a strong track record for work in this area, and we are delighted that Sir David King is here to help us celebrate this new facility.” While meeting staff and research students during his visit, Sir David will go to the Visualisation Laboratory to see a demonstration of projects on a special 3-D screen the size of a shop window. The visual specials are: A virtual universe Presented by Professor Carlos Frenk, Director of Durham University’s Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC) The project is developing a 3-dimensional model of the universe generated by massive computer calculations based on observations and theories about the growth of the cosmos. It draws on work by several international teams and is co-ordinated by the ICC in Durham. The simulation recreates the early events and expansion of the universe including the formation of galaxies and clusters. The work is funded by the Particle Physics &Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). 3-D mapping and displays Presented by Dr Nick Holliman, Lecturer in Computer Science, leader of the ‘inThreeD’ project. The project is working on research software tools to make 3D displays as easy to use as 2D displays. It could be used in any situation where 3D information is used and could benefit from visual representation on-screen with an extra dimension. The example from the Department of Earth Sciences shows how caves and other physical features can be examined rock by rock from all angles in the comfort of a laboratory. The project is funded by CODEWORKS, the North East's Centre of Digital Excellence. The new Institute houses research staff and research students, and involves several Durham departments including Computer Science, Physics, Earth Sciences and Psychology, plus visiting academic colleagues from China, Spain and other countries.