Dr Mingze Xi is a Research Scientist at CSIRO's Data61, specifically within the Immersive Environments Lab and the Quantitative Imaging Research Team. He also holds an academic affiliation as an Adjunct Lecturer at The Australian National University and The University of Newcastle, Australia. His research spans interdisciplinary domains including: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Computer Vision Wearable Computing Interactive Visualization User Experience (UX) Design Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Skill Training and Assessment Asset Tracking and Logistics Smart Building Technologies Mingze's pioneering work centers on Situated Imaging, a technique that integrates augmented reality, computer vision, and large foundational models to enhance human understanding through interactive spatial computing. His research aims to improve safety, training, and operational efficiency across various industries. While no publications are listed in the provided text, his research profile suggests a strong focus on applied immersive technologies and human-centered AI systems. Dr Xi completed his PhD in Computer Science at The University of Newcastle, Australia, and previously held a research postgraduate position at Durham University, UK (2012–2013). He has extensive experience in upskilling primary industry workers with next-generation interfaces.
Axel Vogelsang is a Professor and Head of the Research Group Visual Narrative at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts' Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art. His academic career spans over two decades, combining practical experience in advertising and web design with academic leadership roles. He holds an MA and PhD in Art & Design from Central Saint Martins College/University of the Arts London. His research focuses on digital communication, museum narratives, and the intersection of technology with cultural heritage. Notable projects include the Audience+ initiative exploring social media's role in museums, and the ALE project using mobile devices to enhance cultural site experiences. He has led research groups since 2011 and currently oversees the Visual Narrative group investigating complex information visualization in digital/social media contexts. Vogelsang has authored/co-authored influential publications such as "Social Media und Museen II" (2016) and contributed to international conferences on topics like transmedia storytelling and participatory museum practices. His awards include a nomination for the Design Preis Schweiz (2017) and a Best of Swiss App Award (2016). He teaches Service Design at the MA Design program and manages modules like Data Visualisation and Narration in the MSc Applied Information and Data Science. Professional activities include founding roles in the stARTcamp Switzerland network and the Center for Storytelling, alongside board memberships in the DGTF (Design Theory & Research Society). His work bridges academic research with real-world applications, emphasizing participatory design approaches and innovative storytelling techniques across digital platforms.
Dr. Leah Marks is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Genetics at the University of Glasgow 's School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing. She serves as Programme Director for the MSc Genetic and Genomic Counselling and contributes extensively to both postgraduate and undergraduate medical education through innovative teaching methods. Key roles include MBChB Deputy Course Coordinator Lead academic for Glasgow's first MOOC: Cancer in the 21st Century Senior Fellowship in Higher Education (2016) Her research focuses on educational innovation in genetics, with particular emphasis on: MOOC pedagogy and student-created content Peer assessment effectiveness Digital literacy in healthcare education International student support systems Technology-enhanced learning environments Recent publications analyze: Virtual reality applications in microbiology teaching Digital literacy frameworks Online induction programs for medical students Feedback mechanisms in PGT education Scientific recognition includes: Best Postgraduate Teaching Team (2014) Enhancing Student Learning Award (2017) She also: Mentors staff through Glasgow's RET process Collaborates with College of Social Sciences Conducts science communication workshops Participates in international educational partnerships
Ross Brown is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in the School of Computer Science, specializing in virtual and augmented reality technologies. His academic journey includes a PhD from QUT and extensive contributions to immersive technology research and education. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Queensland University of Technology School: School of Computer Science Education: PhD (Queensland University of Technology) Professor Brown's research focuses on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Data Visualisation, Process Visualisation, Information Visualisation, Computer Graphics, and Games Technology within the broader field of Artificial Intelligence and Information and Computing Sciences. His work spans applications in healthcare, education, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and industrial training, demonstrating the versatility of immersive technologies across multiple domains. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of immersive technologies, with research spanning healthcare rehabilitation, geological education, urban engagement, surgical applications, and environmental monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations with researchers from diverse fields including medicine, environmental science, urban planning, and education. Augmented Reality applications in surgery and rehabilitation Virtual Reality systems for geological education and training Immersive environments for industrial process training VR/AR applications for environmental monitoring Location-based VR for esports and social interaction Professor Brown has received significant recognition for his expertise, including multiple keynote invitations to international conferences such as BPM2017 in Lisbon, Assurance webinars on trusted autonomous systems, and Engage2 conferences. He has served as an International Researcher of Note for ARC funding assessments and has been a regular speaker at Microsoft Tech Ed since 2006. His academic service includes reviewing for major conferences including MSRA Gaming & Graphics, Graphite, AVI, and BPM, as well as serving as a reviewer for journals such as Future Generation Computer Systems and Knowledge and Information Systems. Professor Brown has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students, with completed projects focusing on visual immersion, collaborative business process modeling, and 3D virtual environment validation.
Dr. Gregory Ferris is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Design and Society at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His academic work bridges media art practice and research, with a focus on interactive and immersive media environments. He is affiliated with the Faculty Visualisation Institute (VI) Research Network and The Trustworthy Digital Society at UTS. Dr. Ferris completed his PhD at the College of Fine Arts, Sydney, Australia in 2013 with a thesis entitled "Every time I leave the room: image, time and metadata in off-screen space." His academic journey reflects a unique blend of artistic practice and scholarly research in contemporary media. Dr. Ferris's research interests span multiple domains of contemporary media practice. As a "media 'construct-ant'", he works across interactive media, installation art, virtual reality, and traditional moving image production. His creative practice has evolved from experimental films that screened on the ABC in the mid-eighties to pioneering work in panoramic interactive narratives and 360-degree virtual reality. His research focuses on microbudget feature filmmaking, immersive and interactive narrative structures, and emerging media technologies including virtual reality. His work explores the intersection of media production, post-production technologies, and experimental media making, with particular attention to aesthetic considerations in contemporary digital environments. Dr. Ferris's creative outputs demonstrate a consistent trajectory of innovation in media art. His work shows increasing sophistication in immersive technologies, with a focus on VR, 360-degree media, and interactive installations. His scholarly contributions connect media practice with educational applications, particularly in how immersive media can be integrated into teaching contexts. The themes across his work include explorations of narrative structures beyond traditional frames, spatial relationships in media, and the evolving relationship between creators, technologies, and audiences in digital environments. Dr. Ferris has received research funding from significant sources including the City of Sydney, UTS Chancellor's Research Fellowship, and Create NSW. His current projects include "Spirit of the Hoey" (2023-2024), "Envisaging and enacting just climate futures through immersive media" (2022-2027), and "Sympathetic Threads" (2017-2018). As an educator, Dr. Ferris teaches "Experimental Media" and is available for Masters Research and PhD student supervision. His teaching focuses on media arts exploration, production and post-production techniques, experimental media making, and aesthetics. He has organized academic conferences including microWAVE 2011 and microWAVE 2013, demonstrating leadership in his field.
Joe Liu is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Human Centred Computing at Monash University, within the Faculty of IT. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University (2023), a Master of Information Technology (2018), and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales (2013). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Data Visualisation, and Immersive Analytics, with contributions to embodied interaction and construction safety management. He has taught courses such as FIT1050, FIT2081, and FIT2095, and served as a teaching associate for units like FIT3179 (Data Visualisation) and FIT5152 (User Interface Design). Education: PhD in Computer Science, Monash University (2023) MSc in Information Technology, Monash University (2018) BSc in Computer Science, UNSW (2013) Research Interests: Joe’s work explores immersive analytics, embodied interaction in virtual environments, and the application of augmented reality (AR) for safety in construction. He investigates spatial memory in AR, gesture-based interfaces, and multi-view visualisation techniques. His recent studies include physical landmarks’ impact on spatial recall and AR-driven fall hazard detection on construction sites. Publications: Over 10 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing trends in AR/VR applications, gesture interaction, and immersive analytics. Key themes include spatial cognition in immersive environments and industrial safety solutions through digital technologies. Awards: None explicitly listed beyond academic degrees. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed. Collaborates with researchers in embodied visualisation and safety engineering through Monash’s Embodied Visualisation group. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Embodied Visualisation research group at Monash University, focusing on interdisciplinary projects blending HCI and data science.
Stuart Jeffrey is a Professor of Digital Heritage at the School of Innovation and Technology, The Glasgow School of Art. He holds a PhD in 3D modeling of early medieval sculpted stones from the University of Glasgow (2003). His research focuses on digital and critical heritage, emphasizing visualization, co-design, and immersive technologies. He has led/co-investigated major projects including the GCRF One Ocean Hub, Unpath'd Waters, and the HARPS project on Staffa. His work integrates community co-production with digital tools to explore heritage authenticity, maritime heritage, and intangible cultural values. **Education**: BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Archaeology, University of Glasgow; PhD in 3D Modeling of Early Medieval Sculpted Stones, University of Glasgow (2003). **Key Research Interests**: Digital Heritage, Co-Design, VR/AR Applications, Maritime & Rock Art Heritage. He has supervised numerous PhD students including Shona Noble (digital folklore), Marly Samuel (ocean livelihoods), and Elizabeth Roberstson (sound-based heritage interpretation). **Grants**: Over £10M secured, including £2.5M for the Unpath'd Waters project (2021-2024) and £5M+ for the GCRF One Ocean Hub (2019-2024). Notable outputs include VR experiences of Fingal’s Cave and collaborative frameworks for marine heritage. **Awards**: Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Active in organizations like ICOMOS and the Institute for Archaeologists. **Teaching**: Leads the Heritage Visualisation pathway in the MSc Visualisation programme, focusing on digital documentation, co-design, and immersive technologies.
Professor Paul M. Rea is a Professor of Digital and Anatomical Education and Director of Innovation, Engagement & Enterprise in the School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing at the University of Glasgow. He leads strategic initiatives in innovation, employability, and regional impact, while advancing digital technologies in medical education and research. His work bridges clinical anatomy, biomedical visualization, and industry partnerships, notably founding the MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy program. Roles: Professor of Digital and Anatomical Education, Director of Innovation Affiliations: University of Glasgow, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing Key Projects: MSc Medical Visualisation program, Biomedical Visualization book series (Springer Nature) Research Interests Focuses on digital anatomical education, medical visualization technologies (VR/AR), and innovation in healthcare training. His work emphasizes translating technology into clinical and educational tools, such as 3D-printed surgical models and holographic anatomy learning. Publications & Awards Over 190 publications, including edited volumes in the Biomedical Visualization series. Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Institute of Medical Illustrators. Labs & Initiatives Leads the MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy program, fostering graduate employability and industry collaboration. Directs innovation strategies to enhance entrepreneurship and economic impact in healthcare sectors.
Saif Alatrash is a researcher and VR developer at Coventry University, affiliated with the Centre for Future Transport and Cities. He works as a Senior Technician - Digital Modelling & Visualisation at the National Transport Design Centre, focusing on bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications through immersive technology. University: Coventry University School: Centre for Future Transport and Cities Department: National Transport Design Centre Academic Rank: Researcher His research centers on enhancing user experience in virtual reality environments via gamification , storytelling , and 3D modeling , with applications in museum education and digital heritage preservation . He employs state-of-the-art tools to analyze user interpretation processes in immersive settings. Saif's three recent publications (2021-2023) demonstrate expertise in interactive VR frameworks , user engagement , and cultural heritage communication . These works emphasize gamification strategies for museums, immersive education , and digital storytelling in virtual environments. Technical skills include performance optimization , digital modeling , and game mechanics implementation. Research collaborations span institutions and countries, focusing on cultural heritage digitization and educational technology.
Professor Jessie Kennedy is an Enhanced Associate at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment, specializing in information visualization and human-computer interaction. She is a prominent member of the Centre for Algorithms, Visualisation and Evolving Systems, with extensive contributions to visualization theory and practice across multiple domains. Her research interests focus on Information Visualization , Network Visualization , Biological Visualization , and Argument Visualization . Professor Kennedy has developed innovative visualization techniques for complex data structures including multiple overlapping classification hierarchies, dynamic networks, and Bayesian networks. Her work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in cybersecurity, biology, and education. Professor Kennedy's publications reveal consistent contributions to visualization theory and applications over two decades. Her recent work includes visualization for insider threat detection, argument exploration techniques, and embodied dance learning systems through the CAROUSEL+ project. Her research demonstrates an evolution from foundational visualization techniques to complex applications in diverse domains including biological data, cybersecurity, and virtual reality environments. Professor Kennedy has been instrumental in securing significant research funding from organizations including the European Commission and Innovate UK, with projects totaling over £1.3 million. Her Scottish Woodlands KTP project focused on unified access to forest management data, while the CAROUSEL+ project (funded by Horizon 2020) explores how AR and AI technologies can enhance social interaction in virtual and hybrid events. She leads the Centre for Algorithms, Visualisation and Evolving Systems research group which has produced over 78 outputs. Her laboratory work focuses on developing practical visualization tools that address real-world challenges in data exploration and understanding, with particular emphasis on biological data visualization, network analysis, and educational applications.
Modestos Stavrakis is an Assistant Professor in Interaction Design at the Department of Products and Systems Design Engineering, University of the Aegean. He holds a PhD in Design from the University of the Aegean, an MSc in Computer Aided Graphical Technology Applications, and a BA (First Class Honours) in Creative Visualisation from the University of Teesside (UK). Research Interests : Interaction Design, User Experience, HCI, mHealth, Wearable Computing, and Cultural Heritage Digitization. His work emphasizes collaborative systems and tangible interaction, with applications in healthcare, education, and industrial heritage preservation. Recent Projects : Includes the design of wearable systems for health monitoring (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon), mixed reality installations for cultural heritage storytelling, and IoT systems for beekeeping. He has coordinated EU-funded projects like ENORASI and GUARDIANS, focusing on virtual environments and accessibility. Teaching : Leads courses in Interaction Design, Interactive Systems Design, and Product Design at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Supervises thesis projects and serves on doctoral committees. Labs/Teams : Involved in interdisciplinary teams developing technologies for cultural heritage, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. Collaborates with institutions like the Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis and the Tinian Marble Crafts Heritage project.
Susanne Thurow is an ARC Laureate Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the iCinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research within the University of New South Wales (UNSW), School of Arts, Design & Architecture . She also serves as Associate Director Research (Creative Arts) and Research Program Leader in Climate Aesthetics , fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between arts, humanities, and technology sectors. PhD in English Philology (2017, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) First State Examination in Secondary School Teaching (2009, Kiel) Her research focuses on contemporary theatre , immersive interactive aesthetics , and decolonizing methodologies in Indigenous Australian studies. She explores the intersection of digital media , Indigenous knowledge systems , and climate disaster preparedness , often leveraging AI and VR technologies. Thurow's recent publications address terrestrial aesthetics , climate crisis representation , and cyber/physical design systems in performance and installation art. Her work emphasizes multimodal collaboration , zero-waste scenography , and AI-driven climate visualization . ASAL's Alvie Egan Book Award (2021, for Performing Indigenous Identities on the Contemporary Australian Stage ) UNSW ECAN Award for Research Excellence (High Commendation, 2021) UNSW Art & Design Dean’s Award (Best Monograph, 2019) She contributes to ARC Linkage Projects including LP190100563 (iModel), LP170100471 (iDesign), and LP180100126 (netARCHIVE), totaling over $1.5 million in grants. Her collaborations span institutions like Sydney Theatre Company , Opera Australia , and Fire and Rescue NSW .
Brian Wealthall is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Design within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, UK. He teaches across both the BA (Hons.) and MA Interior Design programmes, focusing on visual communication, CAD, and retail design. Education: BA (Hons.) Interior Design, First Class, De Montfort University (formerly Leicester Polytechnic) PGCertHE (Distinction) Brian's research is centered on digital media and communication within design education. Key areas include 3D visualization, virtual and augmented reality, CAD, and eye tracking in retail and exhibition environments. He also explores innovative pedagogical techniques, particularly the use of audiovisual (AV) feedback for digital project assessments, which he helped implement in the interior design curriculum. Brian leads the SANDBOX research initiative, which investigates advanced visualization techniques. He was also the DMU Frontrunner Supervisor for the Eye Tracking Capability Developer project in 2017, indicating active engagement in applied research and technological integration in design learning. Scientific and Research Contributions: Project: DMU Frontrunner Supervisor for Eye Tracking Capability Developer, 2017 Initiative: SANDBOX – exploring 3D visualization, VR/AR, and CAD techniques He has extensive commercial experience in retail, exhibition, and corporate interiors, having worked with global brands such as Adidas, Levi’s, Converse, Dr Martens, and HP Retail, and with design firms including Checkland Kindleysides, Knox Associates, and MBBD Retail in Sydney. This industry background enriches his teaching and research with practical, real-world relevance.
Dr. Angela Tintrup gen. Suntrup is a permanent scientific staff member (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin) at the Chair of Geomorphology, Institute of Geography and Geology, University of Würzburg since 2002. She holds a Diplom (equivalent to M.Sc.) in Applied Physical Geography from the University of Trier (2001) and has since specialized in geomorphological and remote-sensing analyses of landscape change. Education 1994–2001: Studies in Applied Physical Geography (major), Remote Sensing & Soil Science (minors), University of Trier 2001: Diplomarbeit on current and sub-recent morphodynamics on the southern slope of Sierra del Gigante, SE Spain Research Interests Her research integrates geomorphology , remote sensing and GIS to quantify landscape change driven by natural processes and human activities. A major strand focuses on land-use/land-cover change and its geomorphological consequences in semi-arid Spain, especially around the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir. She couples field-based sedimentology, soil surveys and detailed GIS analyses with multi-decadal satellite data to reconstruct sedimentation histories and model future landscape scenarios. Another innovative axis involves extended-reality (VR/AR) visualisation of slow geomorphic processes (river-terrace formation, marshland desiccation) for both research and university teaching within the “WUEDIVE – Digital Innovation in Teaching” initiative. Scientific Awards & Grants No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text. Advising & Teaching Dr. Suntrup advises final theses within the M.Sc. “Applied Physical Geography” and offers an academic advisory service on Wednesdays 10:00–12:00 (by appointment). She has previously served as a tutor for GIS courses at the University of Trier and leads interdisciplinary field practicals linking physical geography and remote sensing. Labs & Teams She is an integral member of the Geomorphology working group led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Roland Baumhauer at the University of Würzburg, participating in several collaborative projects including the SFB 1211 – C02 “Transport and Deposition” and the GEO-XR project for immersive geographical spatial analyses.
Keiichi Muramatsu is Associate Professor (tenure-track since 2025) at Waseda University’s Global Education Center, Japan. Holding a Doctor of Human Sciences from Waseda, he has successively served as Assistant Professor at Saitama University and as part-time Lecturer at Bunkyo University. He is an active member of the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence and the Color Society of Japan. Education: Doctoral Program, Human Sciences, Waseda University (2009-2014) Master’s Program, Human Sciences, Waseda University (2007-2009) Bachelor, Department of Human Informatics and Cognitive Sciences, Waseda University (2003-2007) Research interests: Muramatsu integrates Kansei informatics and soft computing to quantify human emotional and aesthetic responses. His work spans colour-emotion modelling for lighting and butterfly aesthetics, bio-signal driven emotion recognition using chaotic fingertip plethysmography, and gait classification via deep learning for personalised rehabilitation and stumble prevention. He also develops ontological frameworks to share emotional knowledge across educational and product-service system design domains. Publication trends: Across 62 Scopus papers (h-index 7), Muramatsu’s recent outputs demonstrate a convergence of affective engineering and AI: convolutional networks visualise gait features for training feedback, neural predictors estimate learner states in intelligent tutoring systems, and psychophysiological models link colour, fragrance and 3-D sound to emotional dimensions. Studies consistently combine subjective evaluations with objective indices such as fNIRS, skin conductance and chaotic exponents. Grants & industry links: He has led JSPS KAKENHI grants and internal Waseda special research projects, collaborated with Toyota on driver affective scales, and contributed to exoskeleton development with Saitama medical device firms. His work on LED automotive lighting and mobility-scooter stress evaluation reflects ongoing industry knowledge transfer. Advising & labs: While specific student names are not disclosed, Muramatsu supervises graduate research on gait-assistive devices, emotion recognition wearables, and ITS architectures within the Global Education Center’s interdisciplinary environment.