Nicholas Peres

Dr. Nicholas Peres is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth's Centre for Health Technology and Director of Digital Innovation & Transformation at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. His work bridges clinical practice, technology, and education, focusing on human-centered solutions using extended reality (XR), AI, and remote monitoring. He leads the NHS England National XR Technologies Advisory role and co-chairs national communities of practice for VR in healthcare education and AI/XR in clinical training.

Education:

• PhD, University of Plymouth
• MA, University of Winchester
• BA (Hons), University of Winchester

Research Interests: Dr. Peres explores how immersive technologies enhance healthcare education and clinical practice, emphasizing empathy, cost-effective innovation, and co-design principles. His frameworks like Minimal Viable Simulation (MVS) prioritize learning objectives over technical complexity. Key areas include:
- XR for clinical training and patient empathy
- Boundary innovation spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ethical and equitable technology integration in NHS settings
- Virtual reality for mental health and patient perspective simulations

Publications & Impact: His work spans academic journals (e.g., JMIR XR, Archives of Disease in Childhood), NHS policy guides, and tools like the NHS VR Accessibility Guide. Notable projects include PatientVR and the Digital Futures Lab, which develop low-cost, high-impact technologies such as eye-tracking wheelchair controls and virtual ward monitoring systems.

Awards & Recognition:

• Parliamentary Award Nomination
• HSJ Award Shortlisting
• Invited TEDx Speaker

Grants & Collaboration: His projects secure NHS and UKRI funding for innovations like the Mindset programme (XR for mental health). He collaborates with Transtechnology Research, advancing intersections of technology, humanities, and healthcare practice. Co-design principles ensure solutions are developed with clinicians, patients, and technologists.

Labs & Initiatives: Founder of the Digital Futures Lab (TSDFT) and PatientVR app. Key initiatives include the NHS England TEL policy framework and co-chair roles in national XR and AI/XR special interest groups.