Leighton Evans

Leighton Evans is an Associate Professor in Media Theory at Swansea University, affiliated with the School of Culture and Communication within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from Swansea University (2013) and previously served as Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton. His research focuses on digital media, virtual/augmented realities, and the philosophical underpinnings of technology's societal impact. Key areas include virtual worldliness, smart cities, and the transformation of natural phenomena into data.

Evans has received the 2023 Dillwyn Medal in Social Sciences and a teaching award from Swansea University. His work bridges Continental philosophy (e.g., Heidegger, Marcuse) with emerging digital technologies. Current collaborations include the £120,000 'Augmented City' project with Adam Mickiewicz University. He edits the Digital War Journal and teaches modules on media communication, social media cultures, and critical game studies.

• Education: PhD in Media Theory (Swansea University, 2013)
• Grants: Rising Stars Initiative (£10k, Brighton), National Science Institute (£120k, Poland)
• Publications: Authored 8 books, including The Re-Emergence of Virtual Reality, and over 40 peer-reviewed articles.

Research explores virtual embodiment, presence in gaming, and AR/VR's role in museums. He advises doctoral candidates on digital media and computational culture, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.