Keeping your information safe and secure is a priority for Rix Inclusive Research. Our RIX Wiki and RIX EasySurvey applications are supported by established security measures, including infrastructure that benefits from ISO 27001 certification.
On 21 October 2026, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued an alert about a significant security vulnerability affecting PHP, a widely used technology that helps power many websites and online applications.
Following the announcement, and in response to enquiries from our customers, we would like to confirm the action taken to protect our software and the information it holds.
Within 24 hours of the NCSC announcement, RIX had reviewed both applications and completed the necessary security updates.
RIX Wiki
Our review confirmed that RIX Wiki does not use PHP and therefore did not require any updates in response to this particular security issue.
RIX EasySurvey
RIX EasySurvey does use PHP. We confirm that the software has been updated to a secure version incorporating the necessary security fixes, in accordance with NCSC recommendations.
We take software security seriously and continue to monitor emerging security risks, applying updates and improvements as required.
Our customers can be reassured that RIX responded promptly to this security alert, taking the necessary steps to maintain the security of our applications.
Craig Wilkie, RIX Technical Director
Rix is committed to continually improving the security of our software and protecting the information held within it.
As part of this commitment, we will be introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to RIX EasySurvey. MFA provides an additional layer of security when signing in, helping to protect accounts and the information they contain.
Recognising that surveys can contain a wide range of information, including personal data, MFA will become a mandatory requirement for all EasySurvey administrators and survey creators.
We would like to reassure our customers that this change will not affect people completing surveys or taking part in votes. Survey participants will continue to access and complete surveys without needing to sign in or use MFA.
RIX EasySurvey is accessible and secure
We expect to introduce this enhancement over the coming months and will contact customers directly with further information, including guidance on how to prepare for the new sign-in process.
This improvement reflects RIX’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, reliable and secure software for everyone who uses our services.
Help us solve real-world challenges through inclusion, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
Rix Inclusive Research is based at the University of East London and specialises in inclusive research, accessible technology and co-production.
RIX Hackathon27 will bring together disabled people, neurodivergent people, students, professionals, organisations and creative thinkers to explore real-world challenges and develop imaginative, practical responses.
Participants can usedart and craft materials to help visualise their solutions
A RIX Hackathon is an inclusive, energetic, and collaborative event.
We are seeking partners who share our commitment to inclusion and would be interested in supporting next year’s event.
Partnership is not simply about providing financial support. We welcome organisations that can contribute time, specialist knowledge, equipment, resources, access to networks, or practical support.
RIX Hackathon27 will take place in June 2027 at the University of East London.
Express your interest
If you would like to find out more or explore supporting Hackathon27 through funding, expertise, resources or time, please contact Craig Wilkie, RIX Technical Director.
Please express your initial interest by 1 December 2026.
We welcome an informal conversation and will work with prospective partners to identify an appropriate and mutually beneficial way to become involved.
The Newham Citizen Science Fair (NCSF) 2026 was a busy, friendly and dynamic community event where people of all ages and abilities came together to learn, explore new ideas and participate in hands-on activities.
Now in its third year, this was the first time the NCSF was hosted at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS), adding an exciting new dimension to the fair.
Members of purpleSTARS, RIX co-researchers and social work students hosted an exhibit inviting visitors to share their lived experiences by contributing to a multi-sensory collage map of Newham. Through creative sensory artworks and personal reflections, the exhibit brought together diverse perspectives and highlighted the real-life challenges, strengths and stories of Newham’s communities.
Ajay at the event and checking out PhotoSYNTH with Zen
Lots to see and do
There were many different stalls and activities. People explored new technology, science projects and fun hands-on demonstrations. Ajay said:
I enjoyed the Newham Citizen Science Fair. It was very exciting. I saw different sections like Smile Powered Music with the PhotoSYNTH, the Newham Community Research Network and the UCL Citizen Science Academy. I also liked the Newham mind-mapping—it reminded me of growing up in old school, secondary school and sixth form. It was a very busy day and a lot of fun!
A fun and inclusive community event
Visitors said the event felt welcoming for everyone. Mary-Ann said:
It was a lovely, fun and engaging community event with lots to do for different ages and abilities. It was thought-provoking and there was lots to learn in a fun and interactive way.
Samantha and Renee-Deborah with visitors and tactile sound ‘Be Kind’ card created by visitor to the fair
Inspiring technology for accessibility
Many people were impressed by how technology is being designed to support people with learning and physical disabilities. Tofunmi said:
The fair was eye-opening and inspiring. I saw amazing projects showing how technology can be customised for people with disabilities. It reminded me how important it is to make new technology accessible for everyone. I loved seeing researchers, developers and community members working together. It deepened my understanding of what accessible technology can do, and why inclusive voices matter.
Gavin Sealy highlighted the need for us to approach Artificial Intelligence, AI, as a conversational tool that will strengthen our ability to think clearly as individuals and to think well together as communities. He argued AI is not about replacing people with machines but about highlighting the value of people in the age of the machine.
Gavin Sealy’s presentation
Working together and sharing ideas
The fair created opportunities for collaboration, conversation and co-production. Nic said:
It was a positive experience participating in the Newham Citizen Science Fair. I met a wide range of people and explored many different projects. The event felt open and collaborative, with informal conversations and hands-on activities helping people learn together. I especially enjoyed projects like the LEGO Mindstorms (which I spent ages playing with!) and the musical instruments created by Zen. These showed the creativity and technical skill in the community and highlighted how citizen-led innovation can bring people together.
Building skills and confidence
The fair was also a great place for students and young people to practise communication skills. Ifeoma said:
The fair was informative and insightful. I got to put my signing skills into practice while talking with others. It helped build my confidence in communication. It was a positive opportunity to participate and contribute. I enjoyed seeing local residents sharing high-quality research that supports our borough. I used my Makaton skills when talking with children who are D/Deaf or hard of hearing. It was a rewarding day that showed the power of inclusive community research.
Ifeoma with purpleSTARS member Jas
A successful day for Newham
The Newham Citizen Science Fair 2026 showed how powerful community-led research can be.
People shared ideas, learned from each other and explored new ways to make Newham a fairer and more inclusive place.
Inclusive creative sensory mind map of Newham co-created by visitors to the Newham Citizen Science Fair – now on display in the RIX office
Rix Inclusive Research at UEL is proud to support events like this, where everyone’s voice matters and everyone can take part.
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