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Research & evidence

Our work is grounded in rigorous research. Every solution is developed alongside peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials.

Key findings

VR EMDR for phobias and trauma

Our prospective clinical trial – the first to demonstrate autonomous VR delivery of EMDR – showed large effect sizes (d = 1.77) at one-month follow-up, with all participants dropping below the clinical threshold for phobia-related avoidance. The intensive five-session programme achieved a 94% completion rate with zero adverse effects, working across diverse phobia types using a single transdiagnostic protocol. Published in Mental Health and Digital Technologies (Emerald Publishing, 2025).

WaveVR in schools

Pilot studies with young people in schools and NHS youth services showed that 86% felt better after a WaveVR session, 95% enjoyed the experience, and measurable improvements were seen in mood (+27%), sense of control (+24%), and focus (+33%).

Registered clinical trial

Our EMDR VR therapy programme is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06906770), reflecting our commitment to transparent, rigorous clinical evaluation.

Publications

2025

Usability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Outcomes of VR EMDR Therapy for Specific Phobia: Mixed-Method Study

Chan, O., Mu, M., Debus, A., Dohan, M., Nicholls, D., Wallang, P., and Breen, K.

Mental Health and Digital Technologies, Emerald Publishing

DOI: 10.1108/MHDT-02-2025-0014
2025 Coming soon

Automating EMDR Mental Health Treatment in Virtual Reality

Mu, M., Chan, O., Debus, A., Dohan, M., Nicholls, D., Wallang, P., and Breen, K.

Under review

2024

Real-walk modelling: deep learning model for user mobility in virtual reality

Dohan, M., Mu, M., Ajit, S. et al.

Multimedia Systems, Springer

DOI: 10.1007/s00530-023-01200-z
2023

Unstuck in Metaverse: Persuasive User Navigation using Automated Avatars

Mu, M., Dohan, M.

IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 61, no. 9, pp. 56-62

DOI: 10.1109/MCOM.002.2200608
2022

User Attention and Behaviour in Virtual Reality Art Encounter

Mu, M., Dohan, M., Goodyear, A., Hill, G., Johns, C., Mauthe, A.

Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer

DOI: 10.1007/s11042-022-13365-2
2022

Deep-learning based recommenders for the improved user navigation in VR

Dohan, M., Mu, M., Ajit, S., Al-Assadi, T.A., Hill, G. and Mauthe, A.

1st Int. Workshop on Analytics, Learning & Collaboration in eXtended Reality (XRWALC), ACM IMX 2022

Research partnerships

Our research is conducted in partnership with leading institutions and healthcare providers:

  • University of Northampton – Our founding institution providing research infrastructure, academic expertise, and student talent.
  • Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Clinical research expertise and NHS pathways for evaluation and adoption.
  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – Funding for our InnerVoice addiction recovery programme through the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer scheme.
  • St Andrew's Healthcare – Clinical collaboration on our EMDR VR trials for phobias and trauma.
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) – Sponsoring public and patient engagement activities.

Interested in research collaboration?

We welcome partnerships with universities, NHS trusts, and research organisations.

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