Meet Our Researchers

Associate Professor Máirtín Cunneen

Living Lab Principal Investigator

Máirtín Cunneen is an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the Living Lab, with expertise in AI governance, the philosophy of artificial intelligence, and language theory. His work focuses on the ethical and societal implications of AI systems, particularly in emerging human-centered technologies.

AI Governance and Ethics
Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
Language and Meaning in AI Systems

Dr. Hala Jaber

Living Lab Community Music Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Hala Jaber is a community musician and classical flute player with a PhD in Arts Practice (Music) from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. Her research explores community music approaches in post-conflict and migration contexts, focusing on integration, collaboration, and participation.

Community Music Practice
Music and Social Integration
Participatory Arts Research

Míriam Cano

Living Lab Music therapy PhD research assistant

Míriam Cano is a music therapy researcher and IACAT-registered music therapist, with a background in classical performance. Her work focuses on the use of music and arts-based interventions to support health, well-being, and emotional expression.

Classical Saxophonist
(BA,MA) is an IACAT registered music therapist
focuses on the use of arts for health and well-being

Liam O'Boyle MA

AI and XR Futures Art, Culture and Technology PhD Researcher

Liam O’Boyle is an accomplished musician and researcher working at the intersection of sound, technology, and immersive experiences. His work explores how AI and XR can shape future artistic and cultural practices.

Professional Musician
Industry Experience
Sound Engineer
Immersive Art and Technology
Masters in Music

Homayoun Safarpour

Trustworthy AI PhD Researcher

Homayoun Safarpour is a PhD researcher specializing in Trustworthy AI and XR, with a background in software development and machine learning. His research focuses on AI governance, self-adaptive systems, and the development of reliable and ethical AI-driven XR applications.

Machine Learning and AI Systems
Trustworthy and Adaptive Systems
Industry Expert
MSc in Machine Learning

Tanaka Gandidzanwa

AI and XR Governance PhD Researcher

Researching AI Governance and Ethics in the context of Bias and Risk in Emerging Applications XR/MR

Bachelor of Business Science in Information Systems at the University Of Cape Town
MSc in Business Analytics at the University Of Limerick

Griselda Williams

AI and XR Governance PhD Researcher

Researching AI and technology Governance in terms of Market Development and Commercialisation

Degree in Art Theory
Opera Singer
Finance Industry Expert
MA in Art
MSc in Machine Learning for Finance

TBC

Music Therapy PostDoc

Researching the Feasibility of Music Therapy Approaches in Mixed Reality and Immersive Environments as part of the Validation of the XTREME Prototype

Case Study C

Join the team

Join Our Research Team: Exploring Social Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities in Mixed Reality

We are actively seeking postdoctoral researchers (12-20 months) and PhD candidates to contribute to groundbreaking interdisciplinary research on the social benefits, risks, and opportunities of mixed reality environments. This research will explore how immersive technologies can be leveraged for artistic, musical, performance, and cultural applications, assessing their feasibility and broader societal impact.

Research Focus & Approach

This project takes a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating expertise from social sciences, technology studies, ethics, arts, music, performance, and cultural research. Researchers will investigate how mixed reality environments can foster new forms of engagement, creativity, and social interaction while critically evaluating ethical, governance, and accessibility considerations.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from researchers with backgrounds in:

✅ Mixed Reality (XR, AR, VR) Studies

✅ Digital Arts, Music, and Performance Research

✅ Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

✅ Social Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Media Studies)

✅ Ethics, Policy, and Governance of Emerging Technologies

✅ Psychology and Cognitive Science

What We Offer

🔹 Fully funded research positions (12-16 months for postdocs, and funded PhDs)

🔹 Access to state-of-the-art XR labs and facilities

🔹 Collaboration with a leading interdisciplinary research team

🔹 Opportunities for international networking and publication

🔹 Engagement with industry and cultural institutions

How to Apply

If you are passionate about cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in immersive technologies, we encourage you to apply! We are committed to diversity and inclusivity and welcome applicants from a wide range of research backgrounds.

Email: martin.cunneen@ul.ie with your CV

Apply now

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