This month, we shine a spotlight on Professor Jim Ang, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction, whose pioneering work sits at the intersection of digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare.
From Gaming to Groundbreaking Research
Jim’s journey into research began with a childhood fascination with video games. “I was captivated not just by the fun, but by the way digital technology could simulate real life and create alternate realities,” he reflects. That early obsession eventually led him to a PhD in computer science, with a focus on video game technologies.
What he didn’t realise at the time was just how far that passion would carry him. From the same graphics chips that power modern AI to the use of virtual reality (VR) in psychological interventions, the influence of gaming on today’s healthcare technologies is profound. “For me, it was a path where imagination, creativity and science could come together to make a real difference,” he says.
A Career Highlight: Dementia VR
One of Jim’s proudest achievements came when his team set out to explore whether VR could benefit people living with dementia. “At the time, it sounded like science fiction,” he admits. Yet their pioneering work, later covered internationally, proved transformative. Patients, families, and care staff shared how VR experiences helped spark memories and improve quality of life.
“That was proof that research doesn’t have to stay in journals. It can touch people’s lives in the most meaningful way.”
Research Interests: Towards Empathic AI
Jim’s current focus is on sensor-integrated virtual humans — AI systems that go beyond words to recognise gestures, facial expressions, and physiological signals. This technology could detect early signs of depression, support outpatient care, and personalise treatments.
He is also passionate about empathic AI: technology that patients can trust that respects privacy, and that can truly offer care and companionship when it’s most needed.
Current Projects
Jim’s projects bring together virtual humans and AI to support both patients and clinicians. These include:
- An AI therapist to support people living with dementia.
- A virtual patient system that allows medical students to practise and refine their clinical interview skills.
- An EPSRC-funded study exploring applications for the NHS, from mental health triage to outpatient care for chronic conditions.
Changing How Research is Done
Beyond developing digital health tools, Jim aims to transform the way research is conducted. His vision is for clinical trials that are decentralised, cost-effective, and inclusive, ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind.
“Innovative technology can provide those ‘little helps’ that add up to a big difference,” he explains.
Surprising Discoveries
One of the most unexpected findings from Jim’s research has been how quickly people connect with virtual human technology. “Even when the AI isn’t perfect, patients and families often find comfort in talking to it. Empathy in technology can be every bit as powerful as efficiency.”
Selected Publications
Jim’s work has been widely published. A few highlights include:
MindTalker (CHI 2024): exploring how AI can support people with early-stage dementia.
The ‘conversation’ about loss (CHI 2023): investigating how chatbots can help people experiencing grief.
Portable brain–machine interfaces (Nature Machine Intelligence, 2019): demonstrating how flexible scalp electronics and AI can open new frontiers in neurotechnology.
(You can find his full list of publications on his Google Scholar profile.)
Advice to Early-Career Researchers
Jim is candid about the challenges of academic life. “Resilience is key. I can hardly count the number of times my papers or grant applications have been rejected. The important thing is to pick yourself up, learn from the feedback, and try again. Every ‘no’ is just a step on the way to the next ‘yes.’”
Outside the Lab
When he’s not immersed in research, Jim can often be found in the kitchen. “I love experimenting with recipes from around the globe — sometimes they work beautifully, sometimes they fail spectacularly, but either way it keeps me creative.”
📌 Connect with Professor Jim Ang
LinkedIn | ORCID: 0000-0002-1109-9689