Dr Mu Mu
Professor of Human-Centred Data Intelligence at The University of Northampton
I am the course lead of the university’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Science course, ranked 3rd in the UK in the 2026 National Student Survey. My research covers human-centred design, intelligent networks, machine learning and immersive media, with innovation projects in digital health and data-driven service optimisation. I am Associate Editor of Springer Multimedia Systems.
Current projects
WaveVR
Building emotional resilience
An immersive experience grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy that helps people manage stress and regulate emotions. Piloted in schools and NHS services: 86% felt better after a session and 95% enjoyed the experience (PI).
InnerVoice
Face addiction together
VR combined with DBT techniques and an AI dialogue companion, giving people in addiction recovery a safe, private space to practise coping strategies and build confidence. In development, funded by UKRI (PI).
EMDR VR
Overcoming fears and processing trauma
Clinically validated VR therapy for phobias and PTSD using self-administered EMDR. In our 17-participant trial, average phobic avoidance fell below the clinical threshold, with a 94% completion rate and no adverse effects (PI).
tDCS for depression
Real-world effectiveness of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation, with Flow Neuroscience and the NHS. Three journal papers published (PI).
Metaverse Lab
Social XR for innovative mental healthcare, education and training (Co-PI).
Past projects
- Next-Gen Warehousing: AI-powered solutions for labour and inventory management (Co-I)
- Advancing machine discernment of linguistic cues: a stylometric approach to AI-synthesised text detection (Co-I)
- Automated mental health treatment using VR and AI (PI)
- Feasibility study of an innovative VR psychotherapy (PI)
- An integrated information system for data management and visualisation (PI)
- Product detection in movies and TV shows using machine learning (PI)
- EPSRC Software Defined Cognitive Networking: intelligent resource provisioning for future networks (PI)
Recent writing
- 26 August 2026 Our AI course is 2nd in the UK for student support
The Daily Mail University Guide places our AI and Data Science course 2nd in the UK for student support, 4th for student experience and 8th for teaching excellence.
- 25 August 2026 Our VR EMDR paper is published in Springer's Virtual Reality journal
Our paper on automating EMDR therapy is out in Virtual Reality, the Springer journal, and it is open access. In a five-day feasibility study, four of five participants reached subclinical phobia levels.
- 27 June 2026 What attendees told us about WaveVR at Merged Futures 8
21 people tried WaveVR at Digital Northants' Merged Futures 8 showcase. 75% said they felt calmer afterwards, on a busy exhibition floor where we weren't sure the calming side would land.
- 15 May 2026 We are named Digital Northants Champion
RestoryVR has been recognised as a Digital Northants Champion for work on VR solutions supporting emotion regulation, trauma treatment, and addiction recovery.
- 7 May 2026 WaveVR delivered to Inspire – supporting treatment and recovery in West Northamptonshire
We've delivered two VR headsets and WaveVR licences to Inspire, an alcohol and drug service supporting adults, young people, and communities across West Northamptonshire.
- 23 April 2026 WaveVR at FutureFest 2026 – 95% of young people felt calmer after a session
WaveVR was invited to SEND IASS North Northants FutureFest at the Corby Cube, where 20 young people experienced a VR mindfulness session. Results showed overwhelmingly positive outcomes.
Selected publications
- Chan, O., Mu, M., Debus, A., Dohan, M., Nicholls, D., Wallang, P. and Breen, K., “Clinical Outcomes of Virtual Reality-Delivered Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy for Specific Phobia: A Single-Arm Prospective Trial” Mental Health and Digital Technologies 2026 (accepted)
- Griffiths, C., Banazadeh, A. and Mu, M., “Flow FL-100 Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Used at Home for People with Self-Reported Depression: Impact on Self-Reported Concentration Problems” BJPsych Open 2026
- Mu, M., Chan, O., Debus, A., Dohan, M., Nicholls, D., Wallang, P. and Breen, K., “Automating EMDR-based Mental Health Treatment in Virtual Reality” Virtual Reality 2026
- Mu, M., Banazadeh, A., Cauchi, M. and Griffiths, C., “Real-World Effectiveness of Self-Administered Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study” Journal of Affective Disorders Reports 2026
- Griffiths, C., Banazadeh, A. and Mu, M., “Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Used at Home for People with Self-Reported Depression: Impact on Self-Reported Concentration Problems” Open Journal of Depression 2026
I accept PhD candidates interested in applied artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, virtual reality or related areas. Get in touch if you would like to discuss a proposal.
Charities I support
Please consider joining me in supporting Children’s Heart Association, Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Samaritans.