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.

Email me Google Scholar ORCID LinkedIn ResearchGate X / Twitter

Current projects

Wave

A preventative VR therapeutic intervention for youth at risk (PI).

InnerVoice

VR training for drug and alcohol addiction recovery, funded by Innovate UK (PI).

Automated VR EMDR therapy

Clinically trialled VR-based EMDR treatment for phobia and trauma (PI).

AI dolphins

Playing with AI dolphins: an interactive VR therapy (PI).

tDCS for depression

Data analysis for Flow Neuroscience / NHS home-based tDCS depression treatment (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

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.
17 April 2026 WaveVR to be presented at Merged Futures 8 innovation showcase
Prof Mu Mu will present WaveVR at Digital Northants' eighth annual innovation event, demonstrating how immersive VR can support emotional wellbeing.
10 April 2026 WaveVR school pilots show 86% of young people felt better after sessions
Early results from our WaveVR pilot programme in schools demonstrate significant improvements in mood, focus, and emotional resilience among young participants.

All posts →

Selected publications

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 2025
Mu, M., Banazadeh, A., Cauchi, M. and Griffiths, C., “Real-World Effectiveness of Self-Administered Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression” Journal article 2025
Dohan, M., Mu, M., Ajit, S. et al., “Real-walk modelling: deep learning model for user mobility in virtual reality” Multimedia Systems 2024

All publications →

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.