The Mechanics of Life: Movement, Mobility and Me
ESRC Impact Acceleration Account Case Study
This case study was published in February 2025, and was correct at the time of writing.
Prof Briony Thomas works in both the School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Design, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
IAA funding from ESRC enabled Briony and her colleagues to engage the local community through various dissemination activities. This support allowed teachers and young people to showcase their collaborative efforts and engineers to bring co-produced ideas to life.
The "Mechanics of Life: Movement, Mobility and Me" project was a ground breaking collaboration between the University of Leeds and Northern Ballet. This innovative initiative aimed to bridge the gap between engineering and the arts by exploring the mechanics of human movement through dance. By demonstrating the intersection of biomechanics and creative expression, the project sought to change perceptions of engineering and engage new audiences.
The project kicked off with a series of workshops in autumn 2023, where engineers, artists, and teachers came together to co-design an engineerng-inspired learning programme for high school students. These workshops culminated in an experience day, where students co-created a dance piece based on their learning, which was choreographed and performed by Northern Ballet. The final performance was captured on film, ensuring that the project's outcomes could reach a broader audience. Thanks to ESRC IAA funding, the team was able to deliver extensive dissemination activities, particularly in the local region. This funding enabled the teachers and young people who co-produced the work to showcase their efforts to their community. The project featured a spectacular premiere and exhibition at the Everyman cinema in Leeds, a community event, and a showcase. Participating engineers also realised ideas from the co-production sessions and delivered educational activities at the University’s Be Curious public engagement festival.
By showcasing the mechanics of movement through dance, the project reached diverse audiences and highlighted the relevance of interdisciplinary research in everyday life
Dr Briony Thomas
The impact of the project has been significant. It successfully engaged students in the co-creation of cross-disciplinary learning experiences and in creative expression through dance and visual arts. The collaboration fostered lasting relationships between researchers, artists, and educators, promoting ongoing interdisciplinary work.
IAA funding also supported the project’s creative producer to deliver in-depth evaluation reports on the collaborative activities. These reports were invaluable for documenting learnings and applying them to ongoing community engagement activities. It also enabled a behind-the-scenes film to be produced, featuring interviews with engineers and dancers, which brought the concepts behind the collaboration to life.