University of Westminster

Introduction

The University of Westminster (www.westminster.ac.uk) was founded as Britain's first polytechnic in 1838. Since then it has developed into a university that combines both metropolitan and cosmopolitan dimensions, and which is closely involved in business, professional and academic life within London, the UK, and overseas.

The University has always been, and continues to be, imaginative in recognising new needs and developing appropriate offerings for its many target markets. The University also has a strong and historic commitment to promoting equality and embracing diversity. As a place to work or to study, we strive to strengthen our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive organisation.

The University was a pioneer in the academic study of media and communication in the UK. In the 1970s it launched the UK’s first undergraduate degree in media studies, and provided the majority of the founding editorial team of Media, Culture and Society.

Communications and Media Research

The DiDIY project is based in the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), which has been a world-leading centre for media and communications research for almost 30 years. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 52 per cent of our research was judged to be "world-leading" (the top rating, ‘four star’), with 87 per cent of the total rated "internationally excellent" (‘three star’). The assessment of our impact on society and business was exceptional (87 per cent ‘four star’ and the remainder ‘three star’).

CAMRI is home to around 30 researchers and 65 doctoral students. It has been a leading centre of media and communications research in the UK for almost 30 years. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 52 per cent of our research was judged to be "world-leading", with 87 per cent of the total rated "internationally excellent".

CAMRI’s expertise is focused around digital media, media policy and economics, and media history, and digital media. CAMRI is noted for its strong international dimension, with interests in the study of global and transnational media.

The Institute has a long history of impact and public engagement. We run many events every year, and have strong links with media industries and cultural organisations.

Role in the DiDIY project

We lead Work Package 5 WP5, 'Exploring the impact of DiDIY on creative society', and also contribute to the research and other activities of the other Work Packages and Transversal Tasks.