About
Aitor Rovira is a Researcher at the University of Oxford's Department of Experimental Psychology, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) technology and its applications in mental health. He joined Oxford in 2017 and leads the software development of VR experiences for therapeutic purposes, focusing on improving clinical outcomes through technology. His work bridges computer science, psychology, and clinical practice, with a focus on presence mechanisms, interaction paradigms, and sensory integration in VR.
- Education: PhD in Computer Science from University College London (VEC Group), followed by postdoctoral research at the IMD Lab, Nara Institute of Science and Technology.
- Research Interests: VR's role in psychological theory testing, automated therapy systems, and clinical trials for mental health disorders such as psychosis and addiction.
Recent work explores VR's impact on cigarette craving triggers, paranoid thought reduction via facial animation, and automated self-confidence therapy. His studies emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based solutions for mental health challenges.
Rovira oversees hardware maintenance for research studies and actively contributes to the Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis group. His publications highlight technological innovations in VR therapy and their translational potential in clinical settings.