Overview
The fields of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are founded on three pillars, each of which represents a research strength of the University of Rochester:
At Rochester, we also specialize in making connections across the disciplines. As a result, our VR/AR research initiatives unite more than 40 faculty and 16 departments and programs from across the entire institution working on a range of projects. Examples include faculty in:
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences who are researching action and visual perception in humans and machines and developing cognitive/brain training with VR technology
- Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology who are exploring self-regulation and social motivation using immersive, 360-degree films
- Digital Media Studies who are visualizing and analyzing cultural heritage sites digitally
- Computer Science who are designing next-generation computer hardware and exploring human-computer interaction
- Electrical and Computer Engineering who are studying spatial audio characterization and computer audition
- Chemical Engineering who are creating computer simulations of molecules at the atomic level
- Medical Center, including the neuroscience and ophthalmology departments, who are advancing the science of vision correction, visual psychophysics, audio-visual integration, and using AR or VR technology for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive behavior therapy
- Eastman School of Music who are building virtual concert halls with spatial audio
- Warner School of Education who are examining the role of AR and VR in higher education
Together, we are working toward establishing a Center for Augmented and Virtual Reality at the University of Rochester.