Overview
Alex Smalley is exploring how virtual experiences of nature might impact wellbeing.
His Virtual Nature project is working with interdisciplinary teams from the arts, media, and science to weave national-scale experiments into creative outputs, and engage people in conversations surrounding nature and health.
The first part of this research partnered with the BBC to create Forest 404, a groundbreaking podcast series and experiment examining reactions to natural soundscapes. Over 7,600 people took part in the study, and the wider project won several broadcast awards for its novel transdisciplinary approach. More details on the series can be found at bbc.co.uk/forest and an overview of the academic component can be found at virtual-nature.com/forest.
The second focus of the project was on the importance of fleeting and personal experiences in nature. Over 3,000 people responded to an online experiment exploring the restorative potential of ‘memorable moments’ such as sunsets, rainbows and storms. Alex used the latest digital techniques to create these scenes, which can be viewed at virtual-nature.com/ephemeral-phenomena.
The third part of this research is currently in development. It is an exciting new collaboration with BBC Music, bringing together the findings from stages one and two in an experiment designed to probe emotional reactions to several rich digital nature experiences. More details will be available in January 2021, when the project launches.
The outcomes of this work will also feed into therapeutic interventions designed to reach those who cannot access ‘real’ natural environments.
A first example of this impact was Mindful Escapes, a unique collaborative series between BBC Four and Headspace. Alex was scientific consultant on this series, helping to underpin the programme with the latest academic findings.
Alex also has a background in both the physical sciences and science communication. He has spent the last 15 years communicating complex concepts to a range of national and international audiences.
Following an undergraduate degree which focused on atmospheric physics, he worked for Defra, private consultancy and BBC News before joining the University of Exeter. In addition to his PhD research, he recently led the science communication activities of two large pan-European grants, BlueHealth and SOPHIE, both investigating the links between aquatic environments and health.
Research group links
Research
Research interests
Alex is interested in virtual natural environments can impact wellbeing. His research into ‘virtual nature’ is investigating how nature, culture and technology can combine to enhance psychological health.
Alex’s PhD research is developing our understanding of ‘what works’ in nature restoration, and is hoping to inform an intervention which brings contact with the natural environment to people who can’t otherwise access it.
His 5 year project is funded by the Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, and the University of Exeter.
Research projects
Current Projects:
- Virtual Nature: Exploring how digital experiences of the natural world can impact health and wellbeing.
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Yeo NL, White MP, Alcock I, Garside R, Dean SG, Smalley AJ, Gatersleben B (2020). What is the best way of delivering virtual nature for improving mood? an experimental comparison of high definition TV, 360° video, and computer generated virtual reality.
Journal of Environmental Psychology,
72, 101500-101500.
Full text.
Fleming LE, McDonough N, Austen M, Mee L, Moore M, Hess P, Depledge MH, White M, Philippart K, Bradbrook P, et al (2014). Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
Mar Environ Res,
99, 16-19.
Abstract:
Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
The European Marine Board recently published a position paper on linking oceans and human health as a strategic research priority for Europe. With this position paper as a reference, the March 2014 Cornwall Oceans and Human Health Workshop brought together key scientists, policy makers, funders, business, and non governmental organisations from Europe and the US to review the recent interdisciplinary and cutting edge research in oceans and human health specifically the growing evidence of the impacts of oceans and seas on human health and wellbeing (and the effects of humans on the oceans). These impacts are a complex mixture of negative influences (e.g. from climate change and extreme weather to harmful algal blooms and chemical pollution) and beneficial factors (e.g. from natural products including seafood to marine renewable energy and wellbeing from interactions with coastal environments). Integrated approaches across disciplines, institutions, and nations in science and policy are needed to protect both the oceans and human health and wellbeing now and in the future.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Full text.
Publications by year
2020
Yeo NL, White MP, Alcock I, Garside R, Dean SG, Smalley AJ, Gatersleben B (2020). What is the best way of delivering virtual nature for improving mood? an experimental comparison of high definition TV, 360° video, and computer generated virtual reality.
Journal of Environmental Psychology,
72, 101500-101500.
Full text.
2014
Fleming LE, McDonough N, Austen M, Mee L, Moore M, Hess P, Depledge MH, White M, Philippart K, Bradbrook P, et al (2014). Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
Mar Environ Res,
99, 16-19.
Abstract:
Oceans and Human Health: a rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe.
The European Marine Board recently published a position paper on linking oceans and human health as a strategic research priority for Europe. With this position paper as a reference, the March 2014 Cornwall Oceans and Human Health Workshop brought together key scientists, policy makers, funders, business, and non governmental organisations from Europe and the US to review the recent interdisciplinary and cutting edge research in oceans and human health specifically the growing evidence of the impacts of oceans and seas on human health and wellbeing (and the effects of humans on the oceans). These impacts are a complex mixture of negative influences (e.g. from climate change and extreme weather to harmful algal blooms and chemical pollution) and beneficial factors (e.g. from natural products including seafood to marine renewable energy and wellbeing from interactions with coastal environments). Integrated approaches across disciplines, institutions, and nations in science and policy are needed to protect both the oceans and human health and wellbeing now and in the future.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Full text.
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