Research groups
Aitor Rovira
Virtual Reality Technology Lead
My research lies at the intersection of computer science, virtual reality (VR), and psychology. Broadly speaking, I am interested in understanding the core mechanisms – Presence, interaction paradigms, and sensory integration – that make VR a robust framework for testing theories in psychology. I joined the University of Oxford in 2017, where I am specifically focused in improving therapeutic outcomes of mental health therapies in VR from a technology perspective.
In addition to my research, I supervise the software development of our VR experiences and oversee the maintenance of the hardware used in our research studies and clinical trials.
Before joining Oxford, I obtained my PhD in Computer Science as part of the VECG group at the University College London. Between Oxford and London, I was a postdoctoral researcher in the IMD Lab at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology.
Recent publications
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A randomized controlled experiment testing the use of virtual reality to trigger cigarette craving in people who smoke.
Journal article
Rovira A. et al, (2024), Sci Rep, 14
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Developing an Automated Virtual Reality Therapy for Improving Positive Self-Beliefs and Psychological Well-Being (Phoenix VR Self-Confidence Therapy): Tutorial.
Journal article
Rosebrock L. et al, (2024), JMIR Serious Games, 12
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A randomised controlled test in virtual reality of the effects on paranoid thoughts of virtual humans' facial animation and expression.
Journal article
Wei S. et al, (2024), Sci Rep, 14
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Automated VR therapy for improving positive self-beliefs and psychological well-being in young patients with psychosis: a proof of concept evaluation of Phoenix VR self-confidence therapy.
Journal article
Freeman D. et al, (2024), Behav Cogn Psychother, 52, 277 - 287
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Visual Attention and Virtual Human Facial Animations in Virtual Reality (VR): An Eye-Tracking Study
Conference paper
Wei S. et al, (2024), Proceedings - 2024 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops, VRW 2024, 891 - 892