2020-2023: This feasibility study is situated within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Psychological Therapies Service. It is one of the first of its kind in Northern Ireland to take place within a routine clinical setting. It includes the use of VR to assist with imaginal exposure elements of Trauma Focused CBT.  

2020-2024: A Virtual Reality Based Intervention for depression in adults living with Parkinson’s Disease. The study is taking place in collaboration with Marie Curie, Belfast and Parkinson’s UK. It includes an 8-week programme that includes a combination of VR assisted exercise as well as Behavioural Activation.  

2022-2025:Virtual Reality assisted treatment for social anxiety in young adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This study is funded by Praxis Care and is taking place within their positive behaviour support schemes. It includes several 360 video environments of social situations in which participants can practise their social skills as well as learn to manage their anxiety.   

2022-2025: Virtual Reality vs 360 video for victims of historical (conflict related) trauma in Northern Ireland. This study takes place in the Southeastern Health and Social Trust and the Regional Trauma Network. Again, immersive technologies will be used in place of traditional imaginal exposure techniques.  

2020-2025: A comparison of online vs face-to-face peer support for adults with depression in Cambodia. This study represents a collaboration with colleagues in University College Dublin, Jönköping University, Exceed Worldwide and the Royal University and of Phnom Phen  

2023-2024: AI and Virtual Reality based Classroom Assistant Training. Led by Dr Nichola Booth, this study uses interactive 360 videos and virtual avatars to support classroom assistant training in Northern Ireland. Project partners include the South Eastern Regional College and ProPeer

2021-2024: A Virtual Reality Based learning simulation for social work and midwifery students. This project explores the potential of interdisciplinary immersive education simulations for health and social care professionals.  

2023-2024: Virtual simulations of a social work home visit in a family and childcare setting/. Led by Dr Gerry Marshall, this project focuses on those attending the Widening Participant Programme at QUB and offers prospective social work students a glimpse into real world social work practice. Users are invited to join a social worker on a home visit and are offered a series of choices that determine the outcome of the visit.  

2023-2024. Development and Evaluation of a Wearable-Integrated, AI-Powered Overdose Detection and Response System’. Led by Professor Anne Campbell , Catriona Matheson, Li Guo with partners from MMU, Stirling University Drug and Alcohol Research Network (Northern Ireland) EXTERN and the Salvation Army. This project aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise overdose detection and prevention mechanisms in healthcare. By focusing on two distinct user groups with varying levels of risk awareness, they intend to develop tailored solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance overall care delivery utilising wearable technologies and smart phone applications.

2023 – 2026. First person embodied CVR for empathy training and therapeutics. Led by Lucy Baxter this project involves reating live action VR drama narratives around trauma related to emotional abuse and sexual consent. Working with the PSNI and The Met.