HELIX digital innovation space launches at the University of Leeds

A cutting-edge digital learning space for students, staff and the local community has opened at the
University of Leeds.

HELIX offers innovative and experimental digital education tools and experiences including immersive
technologies, maker and prototyping equipment and multimedia production studios.
It is a dedicated space for the community to collaborate on creative, innovative and entrepreneurial
projects based on their own ideas and initiatives. HELIX was launched on 28th September by Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds and Bethan Corner, Education Officer at Leeds University Union.

Professor Buitendijk said:

“HELIX offers us an opportunity to connect Leeds students with our
worldwide community of learners and academics to collaborate and innovate together.

“Digital and online education is a vital mode of learning in today’s environment, and this exciting
space will help us achieve our global education and research as well as our enterprise and
entrepreneurship goals by providing an opportunity to nurture new forms of connectivity and
innovation.”

Bethan Corner added:

“It is great to see such a fantastic space now launch at the University, that will
enhance digital learning and enable students to experience a variety of innovative hands-on
equipment. HELIX will help to channel collaborative creativity, and we are so excited to see what
students will produce.”

Located on level 7, in the EC Stoner building on campus, HELIX is made up of different zones allowing
a wide variety of digital experiences, education and collaboration.
The space includes state-of-the-art equipment in the Extended Reality (XR) classroom such as the
only Omnideck in the UK. The Omnideck has a 360-degree three-dimensional rotating floor which
enables freedom of movement in immersive learning experiences. The classroom also contains Meta
Quest 2 immersive all-in-one headsets, as well as multiple VR headsets of different models and high specification PCs.

The Makerspace area accommodates a suite of 3D printers, a laser cutter, textiles equipment, resin
printers, 3D scanners and craft resources for prototyping, testing and experimentation. This includes
LEGO Serious Play kits to support the University’s thriving LEGO Serious Play group.
The Media Suite on site provides high-quality professional studio and editing facilities staffed by a
team of video production and creative specialists. The HELIX team will provide self-record and
podcasting support so that users can quickly pick up the technology to create their own media whilst
building institutional capability.

The space offers a variety of classrooms, co-lab shared workspaces and an enterprise hub which
allow for a flexible working environment and opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded
individuals to enhance collaboration both on campus and globally.

Margaret Korosec, Dean of Online and Digital Education, said:

“Opening the doors of HELIX is a significant step forward in supporting our ambitions in digital education, community networking and collaborative events. The innovative space will bring together students, staff and the local community in a borderless environment designed to support curiosity and collaboration – attributes that are deeply needed in our society right now.