Dr. Andrew Hines is a Researcher at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, specializing in machine learning applications for signal processing in speech, audio, and video domains. His work focuses on Quality of Experience (QoE) modeling, speech quality assessment, and immersive media analysis. He has held leadership roles in European COST Actions like Qualinet and CryptoAction, and previously worked in industry as a Director of Engineering. University: University College Dublin Role: Director of Research, Innovation and Impact Key Collaborations: IEEE (Senior Member), Audio Engineering Society (Ireland) Research interests center on machine learning for QoE optimization, audio-visual integration, and healthcare applications like heart sound classification and stroke rehabilitation. His recent publications explore self-supervised learning, neural speech codecs, and contextual factors in speech/audio quality assessment. Scientific contributions include awards like IEEE Senior Membership, and his work spans both academic research and industrial engineering in finance and aviation sectors. He leads the QxLab research team at UCD and develops open-source platforms such as WARP-Q and AQP for quality metrics.
David Lillis is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). His research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their applications in legal and forensic contexts. He leads projects like CeADAR (Ireland’s Applied AI Center) and the Transpire project, collaborating with organizations such as Corlytics and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He holds adjunct roles as a Guest Professor at Beijing University of Technology’s Data Mining and Security Lab and has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of New Haven’s Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group. Education: B.A. (Hons) in Law and Accounting, University of Limerick Higher Diploma in Computer Science, UCD M.Sc., Ph.D. in Computer Science, UCD Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, UCD Research Interests: Legal AI, digital forensics, machine learning, multi-agent systems, and information retrieval. Recent work includes NLP for regulatory analysis, crop yield prediction via neural networks, and AR-driven decision support systems. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator: Transpire (AI Platform for Regulation) SFI Funded Investigator: CONSUS (Crop Optimization) PI: CeADAR Technology Centre Teaching roles include Deputy Programme Director for Software Engineering at Beijing-Dublin International College (BDIC) since 2014. Labs & Groups: UCD Forensics and Security Research Group, ML-Labs (SFI Centre for ML Training), and the Data Mining and Security Lab (BJUT).
Luigina Ciolfi is a Professor of Human Computer Interaction in the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. She is a Co-Principal Investigator at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software. Her academic journey includes roles at Sheffield Hallam University, University of Limerick, and visiting positions at Maynooth University and University of Rome Tor Vergata. She holds a Laurea (summa cum laude) from the University of Siena and a PhD from the University of Limerick, both in Human-Computer Interaction. Her research focuses on human experiences with digital technologies in collaborative contexts, particularly in cultural heritage and work practices. She contributes to fields like CSCW, participatory design, and qualitative methodologies. Ciolfi has led over €8M in research grants, authored/co-authored numerous books and journal articles, and served on editorial boards and international committees. She is a Senior Member of the ACM and an ACM Distinguished Speaker (2021-2024). Her current roles include Vice-Head of the School of Applied Psychology and Chair of UCC's Academic Council Research and Innovation Committee. She leads the Digital Cultures, New Media, and Cultural Analytics research cluster under the Future Humanities Institute. Ciolfi’s work emphasizes ethical and inclusive technology design, with projects addressing cultural heritage, nomadic work practices, and digital wellbeing.
Dr. Kata Szita serves as an Assistant Professor of Multimedia at the School of Communications. Her expertise spans extended reality technologies, human-computer interaction, and the psychological impacts of virtual environments on human behavior and cognition. Her research delves deep into understanding how virtual and augmented reality experiences affect human-to-computer and human-to-human interactions. She investigates the cognitive and neural processes involved when users engage with virtual environments, particularly focusing on the use of avatars and XR-manipulated bodies. Her work also examines social behaviors in virtual spaces and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial digital agents and personal data collection in XR environments. Dr. Szita currently leads interdisciplinary and cross-sector research projects aimed at developing accessible and adaptive immersive technologies. Her collaborative efforts extend to studying cognitive processing of realism in mixed reality, virtual identities, and youth behavior in virtual environments. Her research approach combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, contributing significantly to the understanding of immersive media experiences. Her extensive publication record from 2017-2025 demonstrates a consistent focus on emerging themes in XR research. The articles reveal an evolution from early smartphone-based viewing studies to sophisticated analyses of metaverse environments, presence measurement methodologies, and the psychological impacts of virtual identities. Her work bridges cognitive psychology, media studies, and technology development, establishing her as a leading voice in understanding human experience within digital and virtual contexts.
Aysegul Liman-Kaban serves as an Assistant Professor in ICT/Digital Learning STEM Education at Maynooth University. Her work focuses on integrating immersive technologies like augmented reality, gamification, and AI into educational practices. She actively supervises PhD students and leads international research projects such as MIXAP-EU and From AI Anxiety to Empowerment. Education: Not explicitly stated in provided text Her research interests span: Immersive learning technologies (AR/XR, digital escape games) AI in education and generative AI applications Teacher digital competencies and professional development Flipped learning and multimedia pedagogy Ethical challenges in AI research Blended learning practices Recent publications demonstrate a focus on gamification, mixed reality, and AI applications in education, with methodological expertise in structural equation modeling, mixed methods research, and task-based learning analysis. She contributes to journals like Smart Learning Environments and Higher Education Quarterly . Key activities include: Organizing international conferences on STEAM education Leading EU-funded research on immersive learning tools Developing open-source educational technologies Pioneering generative AI integration frameworks
Abey Campbell is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. He holds roles such as Deputy Programme Director for Computer Science, Director of UCD VR Lab, and 1st Year Stage Coordinator. His research focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Multi-Agent Systems with applications in education, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. Campbell has coordinated modules like Augmented and Virtual Reality, Computer Graphics, Game Development, and Mobile Computing. He earned his BSc and PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin. His work explores touchless interaction technologies, machine learning agents in STEM education, and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Notable contributions include RenderKernel for real-time rendering systems and studies on AR's role in decision support systems. Campbell has secured a grant from Enterprise Ireland for collaborative design documentation and participates in professional activities like peer reviewing for Frontiers in Virtual Reality and IEEE conferences. His collaborative projects include developing AR tools for veterinary training and evaluating immersive VR experiences in nursing education. The UCD VR Lab under his direction focuses on applied research in spatial computing and interactive systems.
Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin is a Lecturer in the Department of Sport and Health Science within the Faculty of Science and Health. He is actively engaged in research at the intersection of sports science, exercise physiology, and nutritional health, with a strong emphasis on athlete performance and well-being. His research interests include: Sports Science and Exercise Physiology Nutritional Science in Athletics Female Athlete Health, particularly menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive tracking Dietary intake and culinary nutrition among athletes Resisted sprint training and performance monitoring Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in sports interventions Application of machine learning and wearable technology in sports Dr. Ó Catháin’s recent publications demonstrate a trend toward evidence synthesis (systematic reviews and meta-analyses), interdisciplinary methodologies, and a growing focus on gender-specific considerations in sports performance. His work integrates engineering concepts such as gait analysis and phase velocity with health sciences, reflecting a cross-disciplinary approach. He also explores emerging technologies like augmented reality and synthetic data generation for performance prediction. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his research has contributed to high-impact journals including Sports Medicine , Frontiers in Sports and Active Living , and Nutrition Bulletin . His h-index of 10 and 254 citations reflect a solid and growing academic influence. There is no available information regarding student supervision, grant funding, laboratory affiliations, or collaborative teams. However, his frequent co-authorship suggests active research collaboration, particularly with researchers in sports physiology and nutrition.
Dr. Enda Donlon is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University's School of STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies, part of the DCU Institute of Education. He specializes in ICT integration in education, digital technologies for teacher training, and AI in education. As APF leader for the AI and Emerging Technologies strand of DCU's Doctor of Education Programme, he drives innovation in educational technology. His professional roles include former presidency of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) and governance roles in European educational research bodies like EERA. Research interests focus on digital pedagogy, teacher professional development, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in education. He has received prestigious awards including the DCU President’s Award for Innovation (2014) and Excellence in Teaching (2021 team award). Enda contributes to academic governance through editorial roles in journals like International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education and Irish Educational Studies . His work bridges theory and practice, exploring topics such as cybersecurity professionals’ learning needs, pandemic-era academic collaboration, and AI’s role in reshaping educational landscapes. Ongoing projects include frameworks for computational thinking education and virtual/augmented reality applications in teacher training.
Dr. Mairead Hourigan is an Associate Professor in Mathematics Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), University of Limerick, specializing in STEM Education. She is actively engaged in research on educational transitions, teacher education models, Lesson Study, problem posing, and STE(A)M education, with her work contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education. Her educational background includes a PhD, M.Sc, and B.Sc (Physical Education & Mathematics) from the University of Limerick, establishing a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to mathematics education. Hourigan's research focuses on improving mathematics education through innovative approaches like Lesson Study and integrated STEM education. Her work emphasizes the development of primary teachers' capabilities, problem-posing practices, and the implementation of effective educational transitions. She explores how teachers can better support students' statistical reasoning and mathematical thinking through practical, real-world applications, as evidenced by projects like the BUDS (Engaging with Beekeepers Using Data Science) initiative. Her research consistently addresses the challenges and opportunities in rural educational settings while promoting inclusive practices for diverse learners including emerging bilingual students. Her research outputs reveal a strong emphasis on teacher professional development through Lesson Study models and the integration of STEM concepts in primary education settings. Recent work examines rural implementation challenges, bilingual learners' statistical reasoning, and the impact of extended professional development on teacher efficacy, with numerous publications in high-impact journals across mathematics education, STEM education, and professional development fields. C. Oswald George Award (2021) C. Oswald George Prize (2015) Peter Holmes Prize (2020) Teachers' Research Exchange (T-REX) Module Innovation Framework Award (2020) Hourigan actively supervises postgraduate students and has secured significant research funding, including a €2.8 million study on teachers' professional journeys. She collaborates extensively with colleagues on projects like Studio LAB Encounters and STEM Café, focusing on becoming STEAM educators. Her work with the National Centre of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL) has directly informed national curriculum development, including consultation reports on the Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum. She serves as a key academic advisor to the Department of Education on STEM and Arts education policy. She leads and participates in numerous community engagement initiatives, including Science & Maths Week activities, and has maintained a multi-year partnership with RTE's Home School Hub. Her research consistently bridges theory and practice, with strong connections to teacher education programs and classroom implementation across Ireland.
Dr. Attracta Brennan is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, National University of Ireland Galway . Her research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of technology in education and healthcare. Adaptive Learning Systems Game-Based Learning Socio-Technical Systems for Older People Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Medical Informatics She co-supervises PhD projects addressing: Evaluating adaptable digital math games for students with math anxiety Maintaining flow in VR/AR environments Multi-user VR recreational/social spaces for dementia patients
Dr. Enda Bates is an Assistant Professor and Deputy Course Director in the Music and Media Technologies Programme at Trinity College Dublin. He leads research in spatial music, spatial audio for VR, and electroacoustic aesthetics while maintaining active roles as a composer, producer, and performer. His work bridges academic and artistic domains, with notable contributions to immersive media, accessibility in health data design, and interdisciplinary digital humanities projects. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, he completed a PhD titled *The Composition & Performance of Spatial Music* in 2010. His research has been supported by grants from Trinity College Dublin and Rode Microphones, focusing on projects like the Trinity 360 initiative producing immersive 360-degree music videos. He collaborates widely, including with the Spatial Music Collective and on virtual reality adaptations of Samuel Beckett’s works. Research interests span spatial audio technologies, VR audio design, and the aesthetics of contemporary electroacoustic music. He explores the intersection of sound and technology in performance contexts, such as augmented instruments and site-specific compositions. His work on accessibility includes evaluating health data representations for older adults, emphasizing user-centric design principles. Recent publications highlight advancements in ambisonic decoder methodologies, VR audio systems, and interdisciplinary arts. Awards include the Gaudeamus Music Prize shortlist (2009) and Música Viva Competition Prize (2010). His music has been performed globally by ensembles like the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and Crash Ensemble. Bates advises on audio engineering projects and leads collaborative initiatives like *Virtual Play, after Samuel Beckett*, merging theater, VR, and sound design. His lab’s work often explores the technical and creative potentials of 360 media and free-viewpoint video.
Dr Matt Smith serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Informatics and Cybersecurity within Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), where he has held academic positions since joining the institution. His role encompasses both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching responsibilities across computing disciplines. His research focuses on interactive multimedia interfaces with specialization in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems. Key research areas include biometric measurement of presence in VR environments, semiotic-perceptual visual communication theory for AR interface design, and serious game development for specialized training applications. His work bridges academic research with practical industry implementations, particularly in construction training and educational technology. Smith's publication portfolio demonstrates consistent output in human-computer interaction, with recent work examining VR experimental challenges, aesthetically-driven UI design, and narrative techniques in augmented reality. His research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between computer science, educational theory, and perceptual psychology. As an active contributor to academic governance, he serves on TU Dublin's Research and Innovation Academy and has previously participated in academic council committees. His professional engagement extends to external examiner roles and subject expertise for QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland). Smith maintains significant industry connections through open-source contributions to the Symfony PHP framework and Unity game engine's Fungus dialogue system. His international collaborations span institutions including Brighton University, London Metropolitan University, Edinburgh University, and Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania.
Dr. Bernard Butler is a Lecturer in the Department of Computing and Mathematics at the Walton Institute for Information and Communications Systems Science, South-East Technological University (SETU). He holds a PhD in Access Control System Specification (2016) and specializes in cybersecurity, terahertz communications, access control systems, and smart grid security. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in 6G networks, vehicular systems, and augmented reality. Affiliations: SETU Walton Institute Key Focus Areas: Terahertz nanonetworks, UAV security, quantum machine learning, and climate change sensing via 6G Research Interests: Terahertz Engineering , Access Control Policies , and Vehicular Network Optimization . He explores disruptive technologies like the Internet of Paint (IoP) for environmental monitoring and AR applications in intelligent transportation systems. His 2024 work on False Data Injection Attacks on UAVs highlights cybersecurity vulnerabilities in drone delivery systems, while 2025's IoP research pioneers smart material-based communication networks. Recent projects include 'ATLAS' (access control system dimensioning) and 'SWAGGER' (mobile/web deployment platforms). Advising: Supervises PhD projects in UAV security, quantum machine learning, and smart grid security. Grants include leadership in two national projects (2008, 2014). Labs/Teams: Active in the Walton Institute's communications systems research group, collaborating on 6G applications and environmental sensing technologies.
Dr. Thiago Braga Rodrigues is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics , affiliated with the Department of Computer and Software Engineering . His research spans multiple disciplines including Machine Learning , Augmented Reality , and Biomedical Engineering , focusing on applications for Parkinson's Disease and Wearable Sensors . He has contributed to 12 research outputs since 2018, including peer-reviewed conference papers and journal articles. Research interests include: Development of sensor-based telehealth systems for Parkinson's Disease Application of synthetic data generation in machine learning Design of VR glove interfaces with haptic feedback Quality-of-Experience (QoE) evaluation in mixed reality environments Wearable tremor assessment and gait analysis Key research outputs show expertise in: Augmented Reality applications for movement disorders Integration of variational autoencoders and wireless sensors for performance prediction Time-frequency domain analysis of physiological data Design of user-centered telehealth systems Immersive VR controllers with tactile feedback Applications of machine learning in sports science
Alexander Khalil is a Senior Lecturer in Music at University College Cork (UCC) and Visiting Senior Lecturer of Research at King’s College London’s Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre. His work bridges ethnomusicology, cognitive science, and neuroscience, focusing on the intersubjective experience of time in music. He holds a PhD in Music from UC San Diego (2009) and has held roles including Executive Director of the Center for World Music (1999-2003) and Postdoctoral Scholar at UCSD’s Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center (2010-2014). His research explores Byzantine chant, Middle Eastern music, and Balinese gamelan, with a focus on cultural cognition and group-level neural dynamics. Major projects include the SoundMind initiative (funded by the Tianqiao Chen Institute) investigating Audio Augmented Reality for dementia, and the Lullaby Exchange, a global crowdsourced lullaby archive. He has secured over €2.5M in grants including Irish Research Council and NSF funding. Teaching includes undergraduate courses in Middle Eastern music and cognitive ethnomusicology, alongside postgraduate modules in music perception and ethnomusicological theory. He supervises 15+ graduate students and chairs UCC’s Film, Music & Theatre Doctoral School. Awards include the IEEE Brain Initiative First Place Award (2016) and San Diego State University’s Alumnus of the Year (2013).
