Latest news from 蚂蚁福利导航 University
10 Sep 2013
Identity research on show at Science Festival
A 蚂蚁福利导航 University-led project on identity management is being showcased this week as part of the British Science Festival.
IMPRINTS (Identity Management – Public Responses to Identity Technologies and Services) is a multidisciplinary research project looking at the influences on UK and US publics to engage and/or disengage with identity management practices, services and technologies of the future.
The project aims to understand why people engage with some forms of identity management whilst resisting others.
At this week’s British Science Festival (which runs until Thursday 12 September), researchers are showcasing their findings so far via an interactive IMPRINTS kiosk at Newcastle City Library.
Visitors are able to take part in the , watch one of the , look at prototypes for some emerging identity technologies, and chat to members of the research team about new identity gadgets, such as smart watches and jewels, electronic tattoos and RFID (radio frequency identification) implants.
Professor Liesbet van Zoonen from the University’s Department of Social Sciences is leading the project. She said:
“Our research has shown that British and American publics are resistant to many of the emerging innovations in identity management such as biometrics, body implants and smart phone apps.
“People want control over their identities but don’t expect they will get that in the future.
“The British Science Festival has given us an excellent opportunity to share our research findings so far and speak with more people about the future of identity management.”
The British Science Festival is one of Europe's largest celebrations of science, engineering and technology, with over 250 events, activities, exhibitions and trips taking place over a week in September.
The programme of events offers something for everyone with activities for families and schools groups, adults looking for entertainment and stimulating debate, as well as events aimed at professionals interested in the latest research. Find out more at
The three-year is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
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Notes for editors
Article reference number: PR 13/168
蚂蚁福利导航 is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It was awarded the coveted Sunday Times University of the Year 2008-09 title, and is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in national newspaper league tables. It has been voted England's Best Student Experience for six years running in the Times Higher Education league, and in recognition of its contribution to the sector, the University has been awarded six Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
It is a member of the 1994 Group of 11 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience.
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