Carolin Wienrich | Virtual Reality Systems | Best VR Researcher Award

Published on by VR Research Awards

Prof. Dr. Carolin Wienrich | Virtual Reality Systems | Best VR Researcher Award 

University of Wurzburg | Germany

Carolin Wienrich is an accomplished academic leader and researcher in the Psychology of Intelligent Interactive Systems, with strong interdisciplinary expertise spanning psychology, human–technology interaction, computer science, and extended reality (XR). Since 2022, she has served as University Professor for Psychology of Intelligent Interactive Systems at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-University (JMU) Würzburg, and since 2020, she has co-led the XR HUB Würzburg, strengthening research, innovation, and collaboration in XR across academia, industry, and society. Her career reflects continuous academic excellence, including a W3 Deputy Professorship in Computer Vision at JMU Würzburg from 2019 to 2021 within the faculties of Mathematics and Computer Science, and a Positive Interim Evaluation of her Junior-Professorship in 2019, confirming its equivalence to the German Habilitation. From 2016 to 2022, she held the Junior-Professorship for Human-Technology-Systems at JMU Würzburg, following her role as Postdoctoral Researcher in New Media and Methodology at the Technical University of Berlin, where she also earned her PhD in Science in 2015. Earlier, she contributed to major BMU and DFG-funded projects as a Research Assistant at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and the Technical University of Berlin (2009–2015), after completing her Diploma degree in Psychology in 2009. Her research focuses on XR and Artificial Intelligence as both research methods and objects of study for advancing the psychology of interactive systems, contributing significantly to human–computer interaction, immersive technologies, and human-AI interaction. She has successfully led or co-led eight third-party-funded interdisciplinary research projects and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. Carolin Wienrich has received multiple prestigious honors, including the 2023 Equality Award of University Würzburg, the 2020 Best Research Award of the Faculty of Human Sciences, the 2019 Best Lecture Award of Bavaria, and the 2019 Best Impact Project Award from the Virtual Reality Institute of Germany, in addition to an earlier scholarship from the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes (2006–2010). She actively contributes to academia as a reviewer, grant assessor, program committee member, and supervisor for Bachelor, Master, and PhD theses, and serves as a Scientific Expert on the Advisory Council for Consumer Protection of the German Federal Ministry with a focus on eXtended Realities and Human-AI Interaction.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wienrich, C., & Latoschik, M. E. (2022). The potential of immersive virtual reality for human–computer interaction research: Methodological perspectives and applications. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 3, 1–14.

Wienrich, C., & Gramlich, J. (2021). A framework for evaluating user trust in AI-driven interactive systems. Computers in Human Behavior, 125, 106972.

Wienrich, C., Latoschik, M. E., & Moritz, R. (2020). Social presence and embodiment in immersive virtual environments: A psychological perspective on XR technologies. International Journal of Human–Computer Studies, 140, 102429.

Wienrich, C., & Latoschik, M. E. (2019). Towards meaningful human–AI interaction: Designing adaptive and explainable systems. AI & Society, 34(4), 873–888.

Wienrich, C., Döllinger, N., & Latoschik, M. E. (2018). User experience and acceptance in virtual reality learning environments: The role of interactivity and realism. Computers & Education, 123, 23–34.

Mario Covarrubias | Automotive & Manufacturing VR | VR Research Excellence Award

Published on by VR Research Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr Mario Covarrubias | Automotive & Manufacturing VR | VR Research Excellence Award 

 Politecnico di Milano | Italy

Dr. Mario Covarrubias Rodríguez is a distinguished multidisciplinary researcher whose academic and professional pursuits span the intersection of virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), human–computer interaction (HCI), and inclusive design. His research is driven by a vision to harness immersive technologies for the advancement of education, rehabilitation, and cultural heritage preservation. Through his work, Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez seeks to bridge the gap between digital innovation and human experience, ensuring that technological progress contributes meaningfully to learning, recovery, and social inclusion. A central focus of Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez’s research lies in developing immersive and interactive environments that support cognitive and physical rehabilitation. His studies in VR-based stroke rehabilitation have demonstrated how virtual environments can assist patients in regaining motor skills, improving engagement, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. By integrating engineering design principles with biomedical and psychological insights, he has contributed to the creation of adaptive systems that personalize therapy according to individual needs, making rehabilitation more motivating and effective. Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez has contributed to the creation of virtual tours, 3D reconstructions, and interactive museum experiences that allow users to explore historical sites and artifacts in immersive detail. By combining computer-aided design (CAD), 3D visualization, and VR storytelling, he helps safeguard intangible and tangible heritage for future generations while making it accessible to global audiences. He has published widely in renowned journals and conference proceedings such as Computer-Aided Design and Applications, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS), and IEEE Rehabilitation Robotics. His work is characterized by methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a focus on real-world applicability. To date, he has authored or co-authored nearly 484 publications, with over 98 citations and an h-index of 10, reflecting both the breadth and depth of his contributions to the field. Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez actively promotes the integration of inclusive design and accessibility in emerging digital systems. His overarching goal is to ensure that innovations in virtual and mixed reality are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and human-centered. Through his pioneering work, he continues to inspire a new generation of researchers, educators, and engineers committed to creating immersive digital technologies that empower individuals, enrich learning, and enhance human well-being across diverse communities.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Enhancing inclusive education for young students with special needs through mixed reality: Exploring the potential of CNC milling machine application. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 522–535. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Exploiting virtual reality to design exercises for the recovery of stroke patients at home. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 463–473. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Rapid prototyping in engineering education: Developing a hand exoskeleton for personalized rehabilitation. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 474–486. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2023). Google Earth in VR for students with special needs. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 14219), Springer Nature, 3–14. (Q2, IF 2.4, CiteScore 4.1).

Covarrubias Rodriguez, M. (2023). Tintoretto Unveiled: Interactive virtual experience for artworks. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, Springer Nature, 1352–1363. (Q2, IF 2.2, CiteScore 3.8).