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Labs

ATIC-DL

Created in 1997, the Assessment of Technology in Context Design Lab (ATIC-DL) is a research facility specializing in research related to the human dimensions of technological change. The ATIC-DL’s research work is based on the philosophy that technological systems are more than simply machines, and in order for technology to work properly, a wide range of issues related to how people do their work must be considered. Projects use qualitative research and participatory design methods to improve technology design.

Faculty: Ellen Balka

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ACT Lab

The Applied Communication and Technology Laboratory (ACT Lab) is engaged in research on the intersection between communication technology and cultural creation. It brings together graduate students, practitioners and researchers to study a wide variety of applications of advanced technology to education, community, entertainment, and the arts.

Faculty: Andrew Feenberg

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GeNa Lab

The GeNA Lab investigates the development, adoption, and social impact of communication, blockchain, and big data. We also work with industry partners building next generation communication technologies in health and genomics, social media, blockchain, and big data. 

Faculty: Peter Chow-White

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Sonic Research Studio

The Sonic Research Studio is home to the World Soundscape Project (WSP) and is currently a site for critical sound studies research in the areas of urban soundscape design and livability, cultural soundscape studies, sonic media, sound in gaming, and more.

Faculty: Milena Droumeva, Barry Truax, David Murphy

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Digital Democracies Institute

The Digital Democracies Institute at Simon Fraser University (SFU) integrates research in the humanities and data sciences to address questions of equality and social justice. It will combat the proliferation of online “echo chambers” and discriminatory algorithms by creating alternative data literacies and paradigms for connection: from applications and methods to transforming hostile social media exchanges into productive dialogues, to critical analyses of fake news and its historical evolution.

Faculty: Wendy Chun

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