24 October 2005

Lorraine Kelly opens new computing user center for the elderly

Lorraine Kelly, Rector of the University of Dundee, performed the opening of the new User Centre within the striking Queen Mother Building, home to the Division of Applied Computing.

The User Centre is the focus of the Division's groundbreaking work looking at how older people interact with new technologies, and it will provide a unique meeting place for these people.

"The user centre is a fantastic - and unique - resource where researchers and students can meet and get to know older people, establish working relationships and carry out research which meets the genuine needs of older people and clarifies the role which computing systems can play in the lives of older people," said Dr Peter Gregor, head of the Division of Applied Computing.

"For their part older people can come in and enjoy the comfortable environment while learning about computing in their lives and taking part in cutting edge research. It's a genuine partnership."

The Division of Applied Computing contains one of the largest and most influential academic groups in the world researching into information technology for older and disabled people. It has over thirty researchers with a unique blend of disciplines including computer engineers, psychologists, therapists, creative designers and staff who have benefited from interdisciplinary careers.

Applied Computing works with a wide range of local groups of older people, who are regularly seen mixing with the younger students in the new building. Several of the older people were present at Saturday's opening.

The opening ceremony included a brief theatrical presentation on the theme of 'computing and older people', written and developed by Maggie Morgan, the recently appointed Leverhulme Artist in Residence to Applied Computing.

For more information contact:

Roddy Isles,
Head of Press
Tel: 01382 344910,
out of hours: 07968298585,
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk