As Director of the ImpactVR Lab at SHU, I have developed a suite of immersive, interactive Virtual Reality (VR) rehabilitation systems for paediatric and adult patients. These systems have had far-reaching applications in neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, orthopaedic trauma, and chronic pain.

ImpactVR’s collaborative approach to applied research has produced world-leading research with major academic and social impact. This research has been recognised for its impact on healthcare, influencing the UKRI/NHS whitepaper The Growing Value of XR in Healthcare. It has won international awards, including the 2023 Games for Change Best Health category, Prolific North’s Tech for Good award and was a finalist in the 2024 Medipex NHS Innovation Awards. Additionally, our research was featured at the NIHR MedTech and In-vitro Diagnostic Cooperative National Showcase Meeting as a key example of impactful innovation.

The impact achieved by these innovations has been fourfold:
• Enhancing the physical and psychological health, lifestyles, and well-being of patients.
• Driving improvements in practitioner standards and healthcare services.
• Raising public awareness of the technology while fostering meaningful discussions on social policy.
• Establishing commercial and medical collaborations to advance healthcare and cost-effectiveness within the NHS.

The VR Prosthetics study was demonstrated to the Duke of Sussex during his visit to SHU (2019). This led to me representing SHU for the British embassy at the Invictus Games 2022 (The Hague). Additionally, my work has attracted the attention of several media outlets where I have represented Sheffield Hallam University.

• VR Prosthetics was shown on BBC's Look North and Channel 4 News. The research has been described by Channel 4 News as 'ground-breaking' research by 'technology pioneers'.
• The Pain Distraction study was in 79 pieces of coverage on BBC national and regional television, radio, and online channels.
• Upper Limb Rehab was highlighted on BBC Click, and BBC Breakfast.
• The Lower Limb research was highlighted on Channel 4 News, Yorkshire Post and BBC Radio.

Recognition of my research has been wide-reaching where I have represented Sheffield Hallam University on an international stage. I am honoured to be part of The Game Awards 2022 Future Class, an annual recognition of individuals "who represent the bright, bold and inclusive future of video games." by the international gaming industry. The awards show had a viewership of over 103 million people. Additionally, I was named on the ‘Creative Sparks’ list as part of the MadeAtUni 2022 campaign to showcase the extraordinary contribution of the country’s universities to the UK’s creative excellence.

Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Game Development, Health Technology Rehabilitation, Game Design, Unity and UDK.