Dr Jane Harris has pioneered research examining the application of tacit material knowledge as a means of advancing emerging computer graphic imaging (CGI) contexts. An award winning textile practitioner, Jane has progressed a novel field of transdisciplinary practices in 3D CGI animation and real-time textiles resulting in: advanced design and presentation paradigms pertaining to future fashion; methods to examine, interpret and experience contemporary and historical textiles and dress; development of digital imaging narratives; review of craft skill and the value of tacit knowledge in novel XR imaging, interactive technology contexts. Resulting artefacts have been exhibited internationally including at: the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), London; the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; Tokyo Design Centre, Japan; Curtin Art Gallery, Perth Australia; the Institute of Contemporary Art, London, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow, Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Jane has co-authored the publication Digital Visions for Fashion+Textiles:Made In Code, commissioned by Thames and Hudson. Following her award from the Arts Foundation and consequently the creative works achieved, Jane has also received a Fellowship from the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA), and awards from the Arts Council of England, the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation and Channel4.
Professor of Digital Design and Innovation, Jane has over twenty years of experience as a research strategist, leader and mentor. Jane Harris has worked extensively across the UK and international Higher Education sector, including as Visiting Professor of Design Research, Geneva University of Art & Design (HEAD). Her current role as Director of Research and Innovation, University of the Arts London, encompasses leadership of partnerships aligned to the University of the Arts London’s new campus for the London College of Fashion, as part of the emergent East Bank, on the Queen Elizabeth Park. Initiatives have included co-founding the Global Disability Innovation Hub, and leading on high value research funding awards with East Bank partners University College London, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sadler’s Wells, Studio Wayne McGregor and UK industry.
Jane leads one of nine UK wide Creative Research and Development Partnerships, as part of an £80million Creative Industries Cluster Programme (2018-23), funded by the Industrial Strategy and delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Jane is also Principal Investigator of an AHRC award, DREEm: Digital, Regeneration and Experience Economy Modelling, working with over 20 UK wide visitor economy and creative industry partners. An Advisor and Peer Reviewer to the European Commission for ICT, Jane is a member of the UK Research and Innovation Peer Review College, and has been advisor to the Arts Councils of England (ACE) and Scotland, Wellcome Trust, and the Crafts Council. A Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA), Jane is also an advisory board member of the V&A Research Institute (VARI).