Dr Massimiliano Di Luca
Supervisor Details
Contact Details
Research Interests
My research asks how people use sensory information to predict, act and coordinate with others, and how immersive systems can respond intelligently to them. In Birmingham's Virtual Reality Lab, we combine psychophysics, computational modelling, machine learning and immersive experiments to connect human perception with the design of virtual and augmented reality. Research directions include combining multiple sensing methods to predict actions and investigate cognitive states, and explaining how people anticipate and adapt to one another during coordinated activity, including musical performance. Across these questions, we test explanations of behaviour and test whether models generalise.
Depending on the project, doctoral research can involve designing VR experiments, analysing movement or multimodal data, modelling synchronisation, and evaluating interaction with virtual partners. The lab connects psychology, neuroscience and computing, with haptics, tracking and prototyping resources and links to the wider BhamXR community. I welcome applicants who enjoy asking precise questions, working carefully with data and learning across disciplines; you do not need prior expertise in every method. For an informal discussion, tell me which question interests you, what relevant experience you would bring and what you would like to learn.
Scientific Inspiration
Leonardo da Vinci, for connecting careful observation, experimentation and creative invention across disciplines. His example encourages me to bring different methods and perspectives to questions about perception and action.
MIBTP Project Details
Primary supervisor for: