Our Academic Team

The Centre for Digital Entertainment is a joint venture between the University of Bath and Bournemouth University .  We largely draw upon the resources of the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) at Bournemouth University and the Computer Science Department at the University of Bath, however we also have academic support from other faculties within both universities. Find out more about our current academic team and their research interests below.

Prof Peter Hall
Prof Peter Hall
Students
Karolina Pakenaite,
Lindsey Howell,
Mesar Hameed,
Padraig Boulton (Paddy),
Sameh Hussain,
Steve Willey

Visual Computing


CDE Students: Paddy Boulton, Sameh Hussain, Alex Rotsidis, Mesar Hameed

My research interestis computer vision, especially its application to computer graphics. I am interested in automatically processing real photographs and video into art or into 3D animated models. I also workon automatically locating and identifying objects, whether photographed, drawn, painted, etc., and reconstructing complex dynamic phenomena from video (e.g. trees).

Prof Jian Jun Zhang
Prof Jian Jun Zhang
Students
Alex Gouvatsos,
David Greer,
Lewis Ball

3D Computer Animation


CDE Student: Lewis Ball

I am Professor of Computer Graphics at the National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University and leadthe Computer Animation Research Centre. I have worked at various universities including Bristol University, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Chongqing University, Queens University of Belfast and Brunel University.

As Principle Investigator, I have secured £7 million inresearch grants for the National Centre for Computer Animation from the EPSRC, AHRC, EU FP7 and EU H2020 as well as other funding organisations. My research focuses on a number of topics relating to 3D Computer Animation, including virtual human modelling and simulation, geometric modelling, motion synthesis, deformation and physics-based animation. I am also interested in virtual reality and medical visualisation and simulation. I have over 200 peer reviewed journal and conference publications.

Find out more

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Valery Adzhiev
Dr Valery Adzhiev
Student
Aaron Demolder

functionally-based Geometric Modelling and its applications in Computer Animation, Computer Art and 3D Fabrication


I was awarded an MSc degree (with honours) in Computer Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science at Moscow State Engineering Physics Institute – National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) which is one of top Russian universities (there are six Nobel Prize winners among its famous alumni and faculty). From 1985 to 1992, I was employed by the Flight Research Institute (Moscow Region). While there, I worked for the aviation and space industries as a senior scientist and manager of mission-critical projects with a main focus on flight-test visualisation and was engaged in creating innovative software for the “Buran” spacecraft – the Russian “Shuttle”. This work gave me valuable industrial experience in solving practical problems in a very challenging and innovative area. Just before coming to Bournemouth I worked as an Associate Professor in my alma-mater MEPhI.

The main focus of my research is on functionally-based Geometric Modelling and its applications in Computer Animation, Computer Art and 3D Fabrication. I am involved in R&D on a next-generation computer animation system based on a unifying cellular-functional representation that was originated by our research team. In particular, I am working on the modelling and animation of objects with varying material distribution and heterogeneous internal structures. I have been developing the theoretical framework for hybrid modelling of time-variant heterogeneous objects. Devising a high-level language for modelling and animation of such objects based on the notion of the dynamic implicit complexes is the subject of my particular interest.

I am a designer of a high-level modelling languages HyperFun and HyperJazz. I am also interested in applying so-called “Empirical Modelling” principles to Computer Games with unusually high interactivity and openness for modification on the fly. In collaboration with Prof. A. Pasko, I have supervised the HyperFun project. This is an international free and open source software development project with collaborating researchers from different countries (UK, Japan, Russia, France and the USA). The software developed for this project have found numerous applications in education, research, design, art and cultural heritage, and computer animation.

Dr Emili Balaguer-Ballester
Dr Emili Balaguer-Ballester
Student
Michal Gnacek

Computational Neuroscience


CDE Students: Ifigeneia Mavridou, Lazaros Michailidis, Michal Gnacek

I have been on the academic staff at Bournemouth University since 2012, where I set up a Computational Neuroscience Lab.

After my PhD in time series analyses (University of Valencia), I was in an industrial secondment in Artificial Intelligence (TISSAT corp., 2002-2005); followed by a post-doc in auditory processing models (Cognition Institute, University of Plymouth, 2005-2008). From 2009-2012 I was first post-doc (2009-2010) and then project leader (2010-2012) at the Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, University of Heidelberg.

Previous and active projects in our computational neuroscience lab include models of top-down auditory processing, algorithms for understanding cortical networks dynamics, trial-to-trial variability in decision making and emotional and flow states processing; among other multiple collaborations.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

@emilibalball

Dr Russell Bradford
Dr Russell Bradford
Student
Ralph Potter

Intelligent Systems


Research interests:Computer Algebra, Parallelism and Networking; cryptography; design and implementation of object-oriented languages; simulation and emulation of networks; the mechanisation of various abstract nonsenses.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Neill Campbell
Dr Neill Campbell
Students
Andrew Lawrence,
Maryam Naghizadeh,
Milto Miltiadou,
Tobias Bertel

Visual Computing, Intelligent Systems


CDE Students:

Garoe Dorta Perez, Image-guided inverse rendering algorithms for efficient rendering and illumination

Ieva Kazlauskaite, Machine Learning for character animation and motion style synthesis, EA Games

Research Interest: Machine learning techniques applied in the domain of computer vision and graphics

I am interested in the modelling of shape and the use of machine learning techniques applied in the domain of computer vision (processing images from the real world) and graphics (creating and manipulating new images). Shape is such a fundamental component of graphics and vision that research in this field unifies the two subjects and there is obviously a great advantage to solving problems in both areas simultaneously since they help one-another. My latest ongoing research aims to learn automatically models of both man-made and natural shapes, and produce intelligent systems that make it easier to process, create and manipulate images.

Find out more

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Prof Jian Chang
Prof Jian Chang
Students
Ben Snow,
Eshani Fernando,
Neerav Nagda,
Xiaoxiao Liu

Computer simulation and animation


CDE Students: Tom Matko, Ben Snow

My research is concerned with various aspects of computer simulation and animation, where the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), the No. 1 educational and research base for computer animation, hosted the related research. My research has focused on a number of topics relating to deformation and physically-based animation, geometric modelling, virtual surgery, character rigging and skinning (key techniques to animate a virtual agent) to address industry needs and create impacts. For instance, one of my main achievements of a mesh-free computation technique has contributed to effective animation content synthesis. I have over 13 years of rich experience of developing complex simulation models and tools to describe complex physical phenomena. I have also contributed to highly challenging tasks related to describing non-linear physics like problems in car crash reconstruction.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Fred Charles
Dr Fred Charles
Student
Marcia Saul

Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Narrative Systems, Interactive Storytelling, Virtual Reality, Computer Games


CDE Student: Marcia Saul

My main research interests focus on Computational Intelligence applied to Computer Games including Artificial Intelligence combined with Human-Computer Interaction. For the last 18+ years, I have been involved in research on Interactive Storytelling which led to the development of several interactive systems which have won several awards.

I completed a PhD in Computer Science, entitled “Intelligent Virtual Actors in Interactive Storytelling”, which had an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence techniques but also covered areas of Computer Graphics and Human Computer Interaction applied to Computer Games Technologies. I have a BSc in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Computer Aided Graphical Technology Applications.

Dr Tom Davis
Dr Tom Davis

Sonic Art; Algorithmic Composition (especially Complexity and Alife approaches); Instrument building; Technologically mediated Improvisation


I am a lecturer in Music and Audio Technology at Bournemouth University and the Pathway Co-ordinator for the Music Technology degrees. In addition to PhD supervision, I teachon the BSc and Masters programmes. I am also a practicing artist working mainly in the realm of sound installation and live performance, and have exhibited and performed throughout Europe and in the United States.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Prof Darren Cosker
Prof Darren Cosker
Students
Alistair Barber,
Andrew Lawrence,
Charalampos (Babis) Koniaris,
Kyle Reed,
Maryam Naghizadeh,
Tobias Bertel

Applications of Vision and Graphics for Visual Effects and Video Games


CDE Students: Kyle Reed, Nicholas Swafford, Catherine Taylor

Research Interests:

  • Applications of Vision and Graphics for Visual Effects and Video Games

  • Motion Capture

  • Character animation from Motion Capture

  • Models of Humans and Animals for Motion Capture and Animation

  • Mixed Reality for Animation and Motion Capture (Virtual Studio Production)

I am a Professor in Computer Science at the University of Bath. I have been fortunate enough to be awarded two previous Research Fellowships: Royal Academy of Engineering, 2007-2012, Royal Society Industry Fellowship (with Double Negative Visual Effects), 2012-present. I am currently the Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA), funded by EPSRC/AHRC, with partner contributions from The Imaginarium, The Foundry, British Skeleton, Ministry of Defence and British Maritime Technologies.

I am interested in taking fundamental research ideas – in Computer Vision, Graphics and Psychology – and applying them to real world problems. In practice, this can mean taking an idea from initial research, through to a published paper, and then into industry. Application areas include entertainment, healthcare and sport.

Dr Elies Dekoninck
Dr Elies Dekoninck
Student
Thomas Williams

Design Creativity, Product Development and Innovation


CDE Student: Thomas Williams

I am an Industrial Designer at the University of Bath and the MEng Design Programme Leader which focuses on integrating mechanical, electronic and software skills in studio-based design projects. My research interests cover a wide range of topics in Design Creativity, Product Development and Innovation such as: User-Centred Eco-Innovation; Creativity in Virtual Design teams; and Creativity in the Latter stages of the Design Process. Closely aligned to the CDE is my AHRC-funded research on game-design which resulted in the product launch of ‘Beasts of Balance’ (beastsofbalance.com).

I am currently the project leader at Bath for a large European H2020 project exploring the role that Spatial Augmented Reality can play in co-creative design sessions (http://spark-project.net/) and amalso supervising PhDs in: Design Communication via Diagrammatic Algorithmic Narrative; Investigating the use of AR technologies in collaborative design; and Observation of Open Source Product Development Processes Through GitHub Mining.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Prof Venky Dubey
Prof Venky Dubey

Artificial sensation and tactile sensing, medical instrumentation, virtual reality and physical modelling and design of assistive devices for older and physically challenged people


The world of robots fascinates me so robotics is my prime area of research. Even though I am keen on every aspects of robotics, my current research interests are mainly focused on dexterous robot hand and tactile sensors for specialised applications. This together with intelligent interfaces can be used for variety of end-user applications. This is intended to relieve operators from monotonous and potentially hazardous working environments for safety and security. A showcase to this is the development of a multi-fingered robotic hand for the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Ministry of Defence.

Recently my research is directed towards robotics for medical applications and with the Global Research Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Collaboration Development Award from Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, I am conducting research with experts from the University of Delaware (USA). I also work with local hospitals in Bournemouth, Poole and Salisbury on medical device development for patient benefit. I enjoy teaching design-related engineering subjects with aspects of mechatronic devices offering an appreciation of the emerging technologies and innovative ideas. I serve on the conference organisation committees of the ASME (Mechanism & Robotics) and the IEEE (Rehabilitation Robotics).

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Tom Fincham Haines
Dr Tom Fincham Haines
Students
Azeem Khan,
Will Kerr

Intelligent Systems


CDE Student: Azeem Khan

I apply machine learning techniques to a wide variety of problems, particularly those in visual computing. Of particular interest are creative tools where the machine supports the artist, with smart defaults and expressive interactions, without taking away from the artists ultimate control, or compromising their work flow.

Specific areas of interest include graphical models, Bayesian non-parametrics and other generative models. These can in particular be applied to the generation of artistic assets, game levels and other sources of variability in films/games, with support for various levels of interaction by the artist.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Professor Mike Fraser
Professor Mike Fraser
Students
Luke Worgan,
Olivia Ruston

Human-Computer Interaction


CDE Student: Luke Worgan

I design, build and study the use of novel technologies to support public and social interaction. These include distributed, physically active, haptic, mobile and ubiquitous systems in a variety of settings, both in-lab and out ‘in the field’. I’m particularly interested in fusing public human-computer interaction techniques with methodologies and applications across the social sciences, arts and humanities. My primary domains of interest are currently in modern history, heritage and genealogy.

In 2012, I became a Professor of Human-computer interaction, andin 2019, I moved to the University of Bath to become Head of Department.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Oleg Fryazinov
Dr Oleg Fryazinov
Students
Fabio Turchet,
Valentin Miu

Scope of Mathematical Modelling for Shape Design and Animation


I received my BSc in Engineering and Technologies, MSc in Engineering and Technologies and PhD degree in Mathematical Modelling from Moscow State Technological University (Russia) in 1999, 2001 and 2005 respectively. I have experience of working in the video games industry and industrial shape modelling. Since 2006 I have been with Bournemouth University, where I am aLecturer in Computer Animation. My educational responsibilities include teaching of various mathematical units and supervision of various projects for undergraduate students. My research interests include shape modelling with real functions, hybrid modelling and animation, real-time rendering, web-based modelling and animation, and procedural methods for computer animation. Ihave more than 30 publications including 10 papers in high-rated peer-reviewed journals.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Prof Christos Gatzidis
Prof Christos Gatzidis
Students
Dhana Frerichs,
Jack Brett

Computer graphics, games engines, serious games, game-based learning


CDE Student:Jack Brett

Current Projects: CDE project with Ninja Theory focusing on the modelling of human decomposition in CGI, CDE project with Sony

Interactive Entertainment Europe focusing on voxel-based 3D terrain generation

Dr Charlie Hargood
Dr Charlie Hargood

Narrative Systems, Hypertext and Hypermedia, Digital Storytelling, Location Aware Storytelling, Ubiquitous Computing, mHealth, Game Design


Dr Charlie Hargood is a Principal Academic at Bournemouth University in the department of Creative Technology. He is an internationally recognised research leader in narrative systems, and a regular contributor to ACM Hypertext and Social Media where he has twice won the SIGWeb Englebart prize for models of location aware narrative, is organiser for the Narrative and Hypertext Workshop, and regularly serves on the programme committee. He has contributed to numerous research projects, and was technical lead for both the Leverhulme funded StoryPlaces project investigating interactive location aware stories, and the EPSRC funded UBhave project exploring mobile behavioral interventions. He has lead and contributed to the development of significant applications that remain widely used within research, and has published in a range of internationally recognised conferences and journals.

Dr Xun He
Dr Xun He
Student
Marcia Saul

Behavioural components and neural underpinnings of visual attention, perception, and memory


CDE Student: Lazaros Michailidis

My career path is a bit unusual. I studied biology in college, but was totally captured by an introductory psychology module. When I got the chance to change my area from biology to psychology, I happily accepted it. Although later my PhD was awarded in biophysics, it actually involved perception and attention, which are purely psychology. With such a background, it is not inconceivable that I am interested not just in human behaviour, but also in the underlying neural mechanisms. While having experiences with functional brain mapping (fMRI) and intervention of brain functions (e.g., TMS), I have extensive expertise in human brain electrophysiology, specifically the event-related potential (ERP) and steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) techniques. Recent years have also seen my research gradually orienting towards experimental social psychology and social neuroscience. The combination of typically cognitive neuroscience and experimental psychology techniques and interesting social psychology questions is bound to make great contributions to our understanding of human mind and action – this is just what I am working on.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Rachid Hourizi
Dr Rachid Hourizi

Human Computer Interaction


CDE Student: Adam Boulton

I am the director of the Institute of Coding, a new national initiative announced by the Prime Minister in January 2018. The Institute is a focal point for a family of learners, businesses and educators creating a new way to develop the digital skills needed at work and beyond.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Vedad Hulusic
Dr Vedad Hulusic

Serious Games, Game-Based Learning, Cultural Heritage, Designing for VR/AR, Multi-Modal Interaction


I graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (Computer Science), University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I received my PhD in Engineering from the University of Warwick, UK in 2011. Right after that I started as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2015 I moved to Télécom ParisTech in Paris, France, where I worked as a research and development engineer. I joined Bournemouth University in January 2018 as a Senior Lecturer in Games Design and Development, Department of Creative Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology.

I have a long-standing interest in computer graphics, serious games, cultural heritage, virtual museums, high dynamic range imaging, image and video quality assessment, visual perception and attention, VR/AR, user interfaces and cross-modal interaction in which he has been a published author. I have participated in two large-scale EU projects and a number of small- and medium-scale research projects.

Dr Wenbin Li
Dr Wenbin Li
Students
Philip Lorimer,
Will Kerr

Visual Computing and Artificial Intelligence


CDE Student: Will Kerr

Wenbin is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Robotics and a member of theVisual Computing GroupandArtificial Intelligence Groupat University of Bath. Prior to being an academic scholar, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at ImperialSRL2016-18 and UCLPRISM2014-16 respectively. He got his PhD at Bath 2013, MSc at Imperial 2009, as well as B.Eng at Xidian 2008.

Wenbin’s research interests mainly lie in general autonomous systems and their applications in manufacturing and professional capture, including the research topics in multi-sensory based localization and mapping, dynamic motion capture, as well as uncontrolled scene understanding and fabrication. Those exiting topics could be broadly relevant to fields of Robotics, Computer Vision, Graphics and Machine Learning.For more details, please refer to myhomepageand the groupwebsite.

Dr Simon Jones
Dr Simon Jones
Student
Thomas Williams

Human Computer Interaction


CDE Student: Thomas Williams

I work in Human-Computer Interaction, particularly in areas related to healthcare technologies, personal informatics, social networks, mobile interaction, communication analysis, and data visualisation. My recent work investigates how data analysis and visualisation of peoples’ digital footprints can be used to support them in understanding and changing their behaviour in a range of contexts.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Theodoros Kostoulas
Dr Theodoros Kostoulas
Student
Michal Gnacek

Senior Lecturer in Computing at Bournemouth University


Research interests of Dr Kostoulasinclude Machine Learning, Affective Computing, Multimodal Interaction, Human-Computer Interaction and Digital Signal Processing, Physiological Signal Processing, Speech Processing, Emotion Recognition from Speech.

Dr Christof Lutteroth
Dr Christof Lutteroth
Students
Alexandros Rotsidis,
Isabel Fitton,
Katarzyna Wojna,
Kenneth Cynric Dasalla,
Kris Kosunen,
Thomas Williams

CDE Deputy Director, Human Computer Interaction Research Group, University of Bath


CDE Student: Thomas Williams

My main research interests are in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction. I am Director of REVEAL(REality and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs), the interdisciplinary VR and AR research centre at the University of Bath.In particular, I am working on user interface technology, eye-gaze interaction and applications of VR and AR in healthcare.

You can find more details on my personal homepage.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Hammadi Nait Charif
Dr Hammadi Nait Charif
Students
Aaron Demolder,
Michelle Wu

Computer vision, computer graphics, image processing and computer animation


CDE Students: Aaron Demolder

I was born in Tinghir, Ouarzazat, Morocco in 1965. I received my Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Ecole Hassania des Travaux Publics (EHTP), Casablanca, Morocco in 1990. After a short-term job with the ministry of Telecommunication, I joined the Ecole Superieuere de Technologie, Mohamed I University, Oujda, Morocco in 1991 as lecturer. From April 1994 to March 1995, I was a Monbusho visiting research fellow at the Information and Computer Sciences department, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University, Japan. In 1998 I received my PhD degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University in Information and Computer Sciences. From April 1998 to September 2001, I was with Mohamed I University, Oujda, Morocco as Assistant then as Associate Professor in the ElectricalEngineering Department. In 1999 I spent three months at the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Michigan State University, USA as Fulbright Visiting Assistant Professor. In October 2001, I joined the Applied Computing Department, University of Dundee, Scotland as a Postdotoral Researh Fellow then as a Teaching Fellow in October 03. From July 05 to January 2006, I was a postdoc at Royal Holloway, University of London. Starting from February 2006, I joined the National Centre for Computer Animation, Media School, Bournemouth University.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Prof Eamonn O’Neill
Prof Eamonn O’Neill
Students
Charlotte Hoare,
Daniel Finnegan,
Daniela De Angeli,
Kris Kosunen,
Thu Nguyen Phuoc

Human Technology Interaction and Technology-Mediated Human-Human Interaction


CDE Student: Naval Bhandari,

My main research interests are in developing, evaluating and understanding innovative forms of human-technology interaction and technology-mediated human-human interaction. Topics include mixed, augmented and virtual reality, and interaction with intelligent machines and software. My research has the overarching goal of contributing to an applied science of interactive systems. This involves deriving design principles for the development of such systems that are theoretically well-founded, empirically tested and operationalised for people’s use. This research covers the spectrum of technological, cognitive and social challenges and opportunities that these systems offer.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Julian Padget
Dr Julian Padget
Students
Matthew Thompson,
Tristan Smith

Understanding the nature of (virtual) institutions and their application to the correct behaviour of software systems


CDE Students: Javier De La Dehesa Cueto-Felgueroso, Tom Smith,

Research Interests:

  • intelligent agents

  • distributed systems

  • electronic commerce

  • artificial intelligence

  • programming language design and implementation

  • mobile programming

  • computer music.

The main focus of my research is understanding the nature of (virtual) institutions and their application to the correct behaviour of software systems. Consequently there is a strong practical orientation involving significant software development. All the application areas are intrinsically distributed, such as agent-based systems, agent-based simulation, governance of agent interaction by (virtual) institutions, verification of (virtual) institutions, grid trading systems, mechanism design, (mathematical) web service brokerage, (mathematical) web service composition, semantic service description and discovery, distributed sound synthesis and distributed musical performance using software and human agents.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Prof Alexander Pasko
Prof Alexander Pasko

Solid Modeling, Volume and Multidimensional Modeling • Computer Animation • Digital Fabrication • Visualization


I am a professor at the National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University. I received my PhD from Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPI) in Russia in 1988, where I was a senior scientist until 1992. I was an assistant professor at the department of computer software, University of Aizu, Japan (from 1993 to 2000); and associate and full professor at the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences of the Hosei University in Tokyo, Japan (2000-2007).

My main research interest is development of a high-level universal model for spatio-temporal objects and phenomena with their internal properties. The model called the Function Representation (FRep) is based on the most universal mathematical language of real functions of point coordinates in geometric spaces. To support the mathematical concepts of this model, my colleagues and I introduced and develop the special-purpose modeling language called HyperFun (from Hyperdimensional Functions), which has extensive applications in education, computer animation, biology, digital fabrication, and other areas.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Prof Stephen Payne
Prof Stephen Payne

Human Computer Interaction


Research interest in Human Computer Interaction and cognitive science, especially design support for high level cognition and learning; information visualisations. Potential Eng D projects would usually involve experiments with human participants, e.g. on:

  • The use of similarity plots and interactive parallel coordinates to develop hypotheses and stories about multi-dimensional data

  • The use of idea databases in creativity, e.g. in the early stages of design projects

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Michael Proulx
Dr Michael Proulx
Students
Daniel Finnegan,
Isabel Fitton,
Karolina Pakenaite

Fundamental issues in cognition through the study of multiple sensory modalities.


I investigatefundamental issues in cognition (attention, perception, learning and memory) through the study of multiple sensory modalities. I takea converging methods approach to best understand the psychological and neural underpinnings of cognition in humans, the impact of visual impairment, and, with interdisciplinary collaborative comparative studies, in zebrafish, bees, and non-human primates.

I also collaborateextensively with electronic engineers and computer scientists to develop applications of my basic research.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Mark Readman
Dr Mark Readman
Student
Phil Wilkinson

What’s in a Word? The Discursive Construction of Creativity (2010)


I joined CEMP in 2007 after teaching in Further Education, and with some professional experience in TV news and script editing. My PhD research – What’s in a Word? The Discursive Construction of Creativity (2010) – argued for a critical intervention in the use of the term ‘creativity’, particularly in education policy. I have presented this work at conferences in the UK, Europe and the USA and written about it in the journals Networks and MERJ.

I also have interests in scriptwriting and censorship and have written two works for the BFI: “Teaching Scriptwriting, Screenplays and Storyboards for Film and TV Production” (2003) and “Teaching Film Censorship and Controversy” (2007), as well as editing “Teaching and Learning on Screen: Mediated Pedagogies” (2016).

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Christian Richardt
Dr Christian Richardt
Students
Alexandros Rotsidis,
Manuel Rey Area,
Tobias Bertel

Image Processing, Computer Graphics and Computer Vision


CDE Students: Kenneth Cynric Dasalla,Manuel Rey Area

My research interests cover the fields of image processing, computer graphics and computer vision, with a focus on video processing for 360 degree videos, light fields, and for user-centric applications. I am also interested in stereoscopic vision and graphics, computational photography and non-photorealistic rendering (NPR).

My research combines insights from vision, graphics and perception to extract and reconstruct visual information from images and videos, to create high-quality visual results and experiences.

Dr Ellen Seiss
Dr Ellen Seiss
Student
Michal Gnacek

Cognitive Neuroscience; Electrophysiological Methods (EEG, ERPs); Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Glucose effects on cognition; Spatial attention


CDE Students: Michal Gnacek,Ifigeneia Mavridou

After studying at the Universities of Potsdam, Sussex (exchange year) and at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, I graduated with a Diplom (MSc equivalent) in Psychology in 2000. I conducted my PhD studies at the Psychology Department of the University of Birmingham (2000-2004). Afterwards, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham (SyMoN lab) and at the Birkbeck College, UCL (Brain and Behaviour Lab), and as a lecturer at the University of Surrey (2007-2015. In March 2015, I joined Bournemouth University as a Senior Lecturer. My research interests are on topics in the area of affective, motivational cognitive neuroscience with applications in clinical populations (OCD, Parkinson’s disease), glucose effects on cognition and food choice. In many of my studies I use EEG methods.

Research Interests

Cognitive Neuroscience; Electrophysiological Methods (EEG, ERPs); Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Glucose effects on cognition; Spatial attention, Response selection, Motor preparation, Subliminal (masked) motor priming.

Dr Paul Shepherd
Dr Paul Shepherd
Student
Kwamina Edum-Fotwe

New Computer-Based Tools for Both Architects and Engineers


My research involves the development of new computer-based tools for both architects and engineers to help with the creation, optimisation and realisation of complex geometry buildings. Until very recently, computers had been used almost exclusively by the building industry as a form of electronic paper, helping designers to communicate their ideas, but not actually contributing to the design process itself. But with the recent development in computational speed, graphics and networking, this means that the full potential of the computer is being wasted.

By combining mathematical techniques such as Dynamic Relaxation, Multi-Objective Optimisation, Parametric Modelling and Surface Subdivision, I aimto facilitate the design of complex geometry forms, using computational techniques to improve the potential structural and environmental performance and constructability of the resulting shapes. I hopethat computers will become active participants in the design process, as well as providing a common platform on which all members of the design team can interactively share ideas and truly collaborate to create innovative and sustainable buildings.

Find out more

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Özgür Şimşek
Student
Tom Smith

Intelligent Systems


Research Area of Interest: Machine Learning, AI and Reinforcement Learning. Particularly interested in open-ended learning in complex, dynamic and uncertain environments.

Profile at University of Bath

Prof Wen Tang
Prof Wen Tang
Students
Huan Xu,
Nick Lindfield,
Thomas Joseph Matthews

Interactive virtual reality software technologies, physically-based simulation, computer animation algorithms and computer games technology


CDE Students: Thomas Matthews, Nick Lindfield

I am originally an Engineering graduate from China, and transitioned into Computer Science during my PhD study in Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design at the University of Leeds, UK. After completing my PhD, I was a research fellow at the universities of Leeds and Bradford on two EU funded projects on collaborative virtual reality software technologies.

Between 1999-2015, I was Senior Lecturer, then Reader in Computer Graphics and Games Technology in the School of Computing at Teesside University. I joined Bournemouth University in January 2015. In April 2016, I becameProfessor of Games Technology in the Department of Creative Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University.

I leadthe research development of the department and am the head of the Centre for Games and Music Technology Research. My role is to develop the research culture within the department, lead interdisciplinary research activities, and establish a strong research foundation to promote technology innovation in a broad spectrum of digital games and digital music for the economic growth and the wellbeing of society.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Feng Tian
Dr Feng Tian
Students
Nick Lindfield,
Rory Clark,
Thomas Joseph Matthews

Computer graphics, Computer Animation, Computer Games, Augmented Reality, Image Processing


CDE Students: Rory Clark, Thomas Matthews

I am an Associate Professor in the School of Design, Engineering & Computing (DEC), Bournemouth University. I researchthe areas of Computer Graphics, Computer Animation, NPR, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, etc. and have published over 90 papers in peer reviewed international journals and conferences

I have been working on computer graphics, computer animation, augmented reality, and simulation for over 15 years.

Current Projects: (1) Development of a Flexible and Practical Games for Social Change Evaluation Framework (2) Modelling and Animating 3D Models with Partial Differential Equations (3) NMF based Data Representation and Clustering

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Leon Watts
Dr Leon Watts

Human-Computer Interaction


CDE Students: Zack Lyons, Tom Wrigglesworth

Research Interests: Human Computer/ robot interaction

I research Computer-Supported Collaborative Work and Human-Robot Interaction, focusing on the analysis and design of interactive systems as they serve to help people appreciate and understand one another’s concerns:

– Technological design factors influencing participation in collective activity

– Identity and conflict through information and communication technologies (e.g. videoconferencing, email)

– Individual and collective experience of interacting through communication technologies

– Presence in computer-mediated interactions (communication and collaborative environments)

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Michael Wright
Dr Michael Wright
Student
Katarzyna Wojna

Human-Computer Interaction


I have a particular interest in understanding the user experience of different interaction modalities such as gesture. Understanding how users wish to interact with different devices or in different environments (e.g. in the home, large public spaces or in AR/VR) means we can provide insights into system/application design. For example, understanding the gestures users find most suitable (or natural) when interacting with TV’s, home automation systems or smart watches. Similarly, by understanding where one modality of interaction is not perceived as suitable allows us to explore other modalities, or combinations of modalities, which might be better suited.

Profile at University of Bath

[email protected]

Dr Zhidong Xiao
Dr Zhidong Xiao
Students
Alex Gouvatsos,
David Greer,
Michelle Wu

Motion Capture, Human-like Character Animation, Crowd Simulation, Image Processing, Biomechanics and Robotics


CDE Students: Michelle Wu

I am currently a Senior Lecturer and the Programme Leader of the BA(Hons) Computer Visualisation and Animation programme at the National Centre for Computer Animation, Faculty of Media and Communication. Myresearch focuses are inMotion Capture, Human-like Character Animation, Crowd Simulation, Image Processing, Biomechanics and Robotics. I have supervised six PhD students and two of them have successfully completed their research degrees. Working as principal investigator, I have developed various enterprise activities. I havesuccessfully secured and completed a few commercial projects of 3D animation production and motion capture services for companies from China and in the UK. Working as co-investigator, I have helped the NCCA to secure and complete various research council funded projects.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Xiaosong Yang
Dr Xiaosong Yang
Students
Abdul Rehman,
Charalampos (Babis) Koniaris,
Kari Noriy,
Kavisha Jayathunge,
Neerav Nagda,
Robert Kosk,
Ruibin Wang

Character animation, geometrical modeling, volume rendering, physically-based deformation, motion capture and synthesis, cloth simulation, virtual reality, surgery simulation, computer aided design


CDE Students: Rahul Dey,Kari Noriy, Ruibin Wang

I am an Associate Professor at the National Centre for Computer Animation. My research focuses on a number of topics relating to computer animation, motion capture and synthesis, data mining, digital health, virtual reality, surgery simulation, etc. I have more than 60 peer reviewed publications that include international journal articles and conference papers. As PI and Co-I, I have secured 12 research grants from European Commission, Wessex AHSN, British Academy, Leverhulme, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (UK), Higher Education Innovation Fund, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, BU Fusion Investment Fund, China Scholar Council, etc. I have supervised 14 Ph.D students, and have been appointed as chair and examiner for PhD transfer viva and final viva several times, including as External PhD Examiner for Durham University, the University of Edinburgh and University of Sheffield. I have been on the International Programme Committees for a number of international conferences, and have given several invited talks and keynote presentations internationally.

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

Dr Yongliang Yang
Dr Yongliang Yang
Students
Alexandros Rotsidis,
Thu Nguyen Phuoc

Visual Computing


CDE students: Garoe Dorta Perez, Alex Rotsidis

My research interests are in shape understanding, computational design and computer graphics. Most recently, my work has focused on developing shape analysis and optimization algorithms to understand and explore geometric structures. I have a full paper accepted at SIGGRAPH 2018: Scale-aware black-and-white abstraction of 3D shapes.

I am organisation chair ofComputational Visual Media Conference to be held in Bath April 2019.

Find out more

Profile atUniversity of Bath

Professor Lihua You
Professor Lihua You
Students
Lewis Ball,
Sydney Day

computer animation, geometric modelling, computer graphics


Dr. Lihua You is a Professor at the National Center for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University, UK. He received his BSc degree from Yanshan University, MSc degree and PhD degree from Chongqing University, China, and another PhD degree from Bournemouth University, UK.

Before joining Bournemouth University, UK, he was a lecturer (1983-1987, 1990-1992), an associate professor (1992-1995, 1996-1997), and a professor (1997-1998) of Chongqing University, China. He was an academic visiting scholar at Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, UK from 1995 to 1996.

He is a member of Peer Review College of EPSRC, UK and the Program Committee of many international conferences, an editor of 4 international journals, and a reviewer for EPSRC and 36 international journals and a lot of international conferences. He is also an external PhD thesis examiner for some UK universities.

Prof You has lectured a number of topics to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supervised some MSc and PhD research students.Currently, he is involved in the lecturing, marking, and project supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and PhD student supervision. The students who wish to peruse their PhD research in computer animation, geometric modelling, and computer graphics are welcome to contact him.

Profile at Bournemouth University

Prof Hongchuan Yu
Prof Hongchuan Yu
Student
Jiajun Huang

Discrete geodesics on Meshes


I am a lecturer of computer graphics at the National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University. I received my PhD in automatic control from Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China)in 2000. After that, I worked as research fellow with the Department of Computer Science, Tsinghua University (Beijing), School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and School of Computer Science & Software Engineering, University of Western Australia (Perth). I have published more than 50 academic articles in reputable journals and conferences, and regularly served as PC member/refereefor international journals and conferences, includingIEEE TPAMI, IEEE TIP, IEEE TVCG, IVC, PR, CVIU, PRL, CAD, and conference CGI, CGVCVIP, etc. I currently teach2 courses: Algorithm Design and Analysis for undergraduate level, andNumerical Algorithms of Linear and Nonlinear Optimization for PhD students. I am a Member of IEEE (MIEEE) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (FHEA).

Profile at Bournemouth University

[email protected]

© 2023 The Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE). All rights reserved.