Staff at the University of Lincoln now have access to a cutting edge videoconferencing system. In February work was completed on Lincoln’s Access Grid node, which is located in a multi-use meeting space near ITC Services on the first floor of the Main Admin Building.

At its most basic, Access Grid can be used as a videoconferencing tool, allowing collaborators in different locations to meet in a virtual space. The UK’s Access Grid Support Centre website explains further:

In these virtual venues participants can see and speak to each other in realtime, use online chat and share applications simultaneously. As an application AG is ideal for any size of meeting due to its scalability. At its most basic it can run on a laptop with webcam using the laptop’s display and webcam microphone for a one-to-one meeting or it can be used in a conference room with a server, several high specification cameras and large display boards to create a group-to-group meeting with participants from across the globe.

Lincoln’s Access Grid node contains three high-spec cameras and projectors allowing up to three separate displays at once on a single wall. You can share files and work on documents securely while in a meeting, allowing a group to work remotely on a research bid, for example.  Alternatively, you could display a Powerpoint presentation and see other participants simultaneously. This could be particularly useful in project meetings for large scale EU, international (or even UK-based) consortia.

Below is a picture of UCL’s Access Grid node. This gives a good idea of the potential since Lincoln’s is similar in size:

The number of Access Grid nodes is growing steadily. AccessGrid.org counts 285 locations around the world and handily displays them on a map.

**UPDATE** Joss has left a helpful comment explaining how to book Lincoln’s Access Grid.