Lancaster University and Micro:bit Educational Foundation launch research lab for physical computing

New research hub will explore future directions for the micro:bit platform and expand research into physical computing and digital skills education.

Lancaster University and the Micro:bit Educational Foundation have launched a new research hub in the UK focused on physical computing and digital education. The Micro:bit Innovation and Research Lab (MIRL), based at Lancaster University, will explore new technologies and teaching approaches linked to the BBC micro:bit platform.

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports the global micro:bit ecosystem, working with educators, governments, and technology partners to expand access to computing education. It also runs microbit.org, which provides free coding tools, classroom resources, and professional development for teachers.

The launch reflects continued interest in physical computing as schools and universities look for ways to move beyond screen-based coding lessons and introduce hands-on technology experiences for students.

More than 11 million micro:bit devices have been distributed globally since the platform launched a decade ago through a BBC-led consortium. The pocket-sized programmable computer allows students to write code and interact with sensors, lights, and other hardware components.

According to the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, the platform has supported more than 70 million children across 85 countries in learning coding and digital skills.

Research focus on physical computing in education

The lab will be based in InfoLab21 at Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications and led by Professor Steve Hodges, Professor Joe Finney, and Dr Elisa Rubegni.

Researchers will study how physical computing tools can support coding education, digital skills development, and classroom engagement, while also experimenting with new technologies linked to the micro:bit platform.

Steve Hodges, Lancaster University Distinguished Professor and Director of MIRL, says physical computing can help students engage with computing concepts: “Research shows that physical computing is a powerful way to engage young minds. It teaches coding and computational thinking, as well as twenty-first century skills such as design, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.”

He adds that the micro:bit has played a significant role in introducing digital skills to students worldwide: “The micro:bit has been hugely successful over the last decade. It’s engaged millions of young people from all around the world, from here in the UK to the Amazon Rainforest. Time and again, we see it sparking their interest in learning digital skills.”

Looking ahead, Hodges says the new lab will support continued development of the platform: “As the digital landscape evolves at an ever-increasing pace and we look to the next ten years of the micro:bit and physical computing, it’s vital that we continue innovating, researching and developing exciting new ways to capitalise on and adapt this amazing digital educational platform.”

Global collaboration around the micro:bit platform

Lancaster University researchers were involved in the original development of the micro:bit platform, contributing to the device’s runtime operating system, hardware delivery, and programming environment.

The new lab will also act as a hub for collaboration across the global computing education research community. Early partnerships include Aarhus University in Denmark, Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States, Sunway University in Malaysia, and University College London.

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation says the initiative supports its goal of enabling more than 100 million children to develop digital skills using micro:bit by 2028.

Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, says the lab will help coordinate research and experimentation around the platform: “MIRL will bring together all the incredible people across the world who are delivering cutting-edge research around micro:bit, and also help us to explore new tech approaches for physical computing. By building this community with Lancaster University, we hope to consolidate and supercharge our understanding and development of the micro:bit.”

The lab has received initial funding from Lancaster University, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, and technology organizations. The partners say the research will inform future developments in both the micro:bit platform and the wider field of physical computing education.

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