Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATIC)

Dr Shelley Doolan

Shelley is Project Manager of the Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC).

Shelley brings her experience of working on collaborative research and innovation projects with a variety of industry partners across a range of disciplines.

She has extensive experience of developing and securing funding for multi-partner European projects and is currently Co‐ordinator of the Erasmus+ funded Arts and Humanities Entrepreneurship Hubs (AHEH) project.  

Shelley’s PhD research focused on the role of technology within craft practice. Her research interest lies in developing an approach that makes appropriate and sensitive use of technology to expand rather than displace existing skills. Evolving research outcomes were investigated through practice and collaborative case studies, supported by an experimental approach.

The work explores the potential for CAD and CAM tools and ways in which the skills associated with their use may become embedded within the craft practitioner’s repertoire. The research explores the limits of digital practice in terms of process parameters and material outcomes as well as raising and responding to questions concerning creativity and authenticity within digital practice. ‌

Research interests include the significance of the act of making and its impact on creativity and well-being for the maker; and the impact upon the ‘consumer’ of the crafted artefact.

Shelley is currently developing the research beyond her own practice and the medium of glass and finding routes to apply and adapt findings within educational and industrial contexts.