Innovation at Ludgershall
Where Theory Meets Application
Research at Skyfall is not confined to the postgraduate level; it permeates the entire institution. We believe that a research mindset—the ability to formulate a hypothesis, test it rigorously, and analyse the results—is a fundamental life skill.
Our location in Hampshire places us strategically close to the UK’s growing ‘Tech Corridor’ and the defence/engineering hubs of the South West. This allows for unique industry collaborations that filter down into our curriculum.
Key Research Clusters
1. The Centre for Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CEAI) Led by Dr. Alistair Thorne, this cluster investigates the societal implications of machine learning. Current projects include “Algorithmic Bias in Rural Banking Systems” and “Low-Power Neural Networks.” Undergraduate students in the CS faculty often contribute to these projects as data annotators and junior analysts, gaining exposure to high-level research early in their careers.
2. Sustainable Materiality Lab Situated within the Faculty of Art & Design, this group explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainable materials. Researchers are currently experimenting with bio-plastics and locally sourced organic compounds to create new architectural cladding materials. This is highly tactile, messy, and vital work.
3. The Rural Economics Group Leveraging our semi-rural location, this group analyses micro-economic trends in non-metropolitan areas. Their work has been cited in regional development papers. They provide a counter-narrative to the London-centric economic models often taught in other universities.
Student Involvement
We host an annual “Skyfall Symposium,” a two-day conference where students from the Sixth Form up to the PhD level present their findings. It is a celebration of intellectual curiosity. We believe that a Year 12 student investigating the physics of wind turbines deserves the same platform as a doctoral candidate presenting on fluid dynamics—provided the methodology is sound.