[DATAGOV Core] first proposal submitted to our EASST

[Jonas Breuer]

fyi




From: Angela Y. T. Chan via NomadIT <noreply at nomadit.co.uk>
Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 11:16
To: Jonas Breuer <j.a.breuer at uva.nl>
Subject: Contribution proposal for combined format open panel CB134 at EASST2026


A contribution has been submitted for combined format open panel : edit contribution <https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/easst2026/paper-update/paper/97605> edit combined format open panel<https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/easst2026/panel-update/panel/18161>

An Investigative Arts approach to emerging technology research as ‘neighbours in research’: the case of distributed acoustic sensing

Authors:
Angela Y. T. Chan (University of Southampton) [Presenting]

Short abstract:
This paper describes an investigative arts and justice-centred approach exploring the impacts of the emerging technology, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS).

Long abstract:

This paper describes an investigative arts and justice-centred approach exploring the impacts of the emerging technology, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS).

DAS repurposes legacy fibre optic cables (‘dark fibres’) to capture data in the form of environmental vibrations across extended geographies. While DAS infrastructure is currently in use for monitoring seismic activity, railway tracks and pipelines, there are data privacy concerns if this were to extend into a smart city technology.

Investigative arts combines research methodologies and public engagement approaches from both investigative (journalism, open-source intelligence research, data analysis) and artistic disciplines (visual arts, creative workshops, exhibition), to shape radical interrogations to systemic injustices in the public domain.

Applied to research on an emerging technology like DAS, this investigative arts project draws upon critical infrastructure studies, particularly on data justice topics involving climate and militarism. It identifies the speculative local impacts of DAS given its potential deployments by industry. Further, by understanding both the local and global ecology of stakeholders and their intentions with DAS innovations, making connections between the global DAS infrastructure (where Southampton is one node), its supply chain, and grassroots international solidarities is essential in ensuring robust data justice advocacy as the technology expands.

The project seeks to uncover knowledge together with Southampton residents, and an interdisciplinary team across data sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts at the University of Southampton. A recent citizens’ panel in Southampton and London brought participants to discuss this technology, and highlighted concerns around data and technology governance, privacy and environmental impact.
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