Swimming with Dolphins: UON develops new virtual reality therapy to soothe anxiety
Date 21 July 2025
21.07.2025In an ambitious blend of technology, creative education and mental health support, students and staff at the University of Northampton are making waves with a new virtual reality experience designed to help users manage anxiety.
An immersive sealife world experience using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) to offer innovative mental health support has been developed by a team of UON staff and students.
Leading the project are CADE members Professor Mu Mu (Human-Centred Data Intelligence), Andy Debus (Senior Lecturer in Games Design), and David Nicholls (Programme Lead for Games Design), who saw an opportunity to deliver innovative digital health solutions amidst growing pressure on NHS services, as well as training the next generation of game developers.
A brief snapshot of the Swimming with Dolphins VR footage can be viewed via YouTube.
Full details may be found in the news article on our website.
Rob Howe is Head of Learning Technology and Co-Chair of the Centre for Active Digital Education