Ravin Balakrishnan

Ravin Balakrishnan is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he co-directs the Dynamic Graphics Project (DGP) laboratory. He served as department chair from 2015-2019 and holds a Canada Research Chair in Human-Computer Interaction. His research focuses on developing novel interaction techniques for emerging technologies.

His primary research interests include:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with emphasis on gesture recognition and tangible interfaces
• Interactive computer graphics and 3D interaction techniques
• Information and communications technology for developing regions
• Novel input devices and interaction paradigms for VR/AR systems

Balakrishnan's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on multimodal interaction systems, with recurring themes in haptic feedback, gesture-based controls, VR/AR interfaces, and mobile interaction techniques. His work frequently bridges theoretical models with practical applications in real-world systems.

His significant honors include:

• Elected to ACM CHI Academy (2011)
• Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2007)
• Canadian Human Computer Communications Society Achievement Award (2020)
• Multiple best paper awards at top HCI conferences (CHI, UIST, CSCW)

Balakrishnan has advised over 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, maintaining an active research group at the Dynamic Graphics Project lab. His work has been supported by grants from NSERC, SSHRC, and industrial partners, with research commercialized through several startups including Bump Technologies (acquired by Google).

He collaborates internationally with research labs including Microsoft Research, INRIA, and Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, and has served as program chair for major conferences including ACM UIST and Graphics Interface.