Currently, two PhD positions are available:

PhD1: Virtual Reality as Empathy Machine: critical media analysis in humanitarian communication

The role of PhD1 will be to offer a media analysis of VR affordances, cinematic and narrative strategies (360-degree videos, installations and documentaries) dealing with migration and refugees. This PhD project will focus on how VR affects the relationship between spectator and distant sufferer through its immersive affordances, cinematic strategies and alternative storytelling techniques.

PhD1 will have a background in media studies, with a specific focus on new, immersive and interactive technologies, such as games and VR.

To see the full PhD advertisement, please click here.

PhD2: Virtual Reality as Empathy Machine: validation research on humanitarian communication

The role of PhD2 will be to perform empirical research and develop interdisciplinary methods to test and validate the persuasiveness of VR as an ‘empathy machine’ and assess whether VR leads to actions and enhanced public engagement. This PhD project will focus on how we can empirically assess the effect of and response to VR for humanitarian purposes. 

PhD2 will have a background in media, psychology or the social sciences, and expertise in validation methods and participant observations.

To see the full PhD advertisement, please click here.