Amruta Deshpande | Computer Science | Best VR Researcher Award

Published on by VR Research Awards

Dr. Amruta Deshpande | Computer Science | Best VR Researcher Award 

Indira University | India


Dr. Amruta Deshpande is a seasoned academic leader with over 16 years of experience in Human Resource Management, Employment Relations, Organizational Behavior, and Higher Education, recognized for her contributions to research governance, academic strategy, and institution-building. She currently serves as Professor – School of Business and Associate Dean, Research & Development at Indira University, Pune, where she leads the university-wide R&D vision in alignment with UGC, NAAC, NIRF, and global ranking frameworks. A dedicated researcher, she has 31 research publications, 58 citations, and an h-index of 4, with scholarship focusing on industrial relations, employee well-being, diversity & inclusion, HR analytics, and sustainability in workplaces. Dr. Deshpande is an Editorial Board Member for reputed Q1/Q2 journals under Emerald and Taylor & Francis and serves as a peer reviewer for Scopus, Web of Science, and ABDC-listed journals. She is a recognized research ecosystem architect, having established and led the R&D Department at Indira Group of Institutes, formulating research policies, SOPs, governance structures, and integrity frameworks including Turnitin processes, ethical review mechanisms, and publication quality monitoring systems. She has successfully designed PhD program structures, doctoral evaluation models, and capacity-building initiatives for faculty and research scholars, promoting high-quality research, grantsmanship, IPR, and consultancy outcomes. Dr. Deshpande has led multiple international conferences, special issues, academic collaborations, and global partnerships that enhanced institutional visibility and academic impact. She also integrates research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by aligning publications, patents, consultancy, and incubation initiatives with industry and societal needs. With prior academic roles across leading Indian institutions, she has taught MBA, PGDM, and undergraduate programs, mentored young researchers, and driven curriculum innovation to prepare learners for the future of work. She is committed to positioning Indira University as a global research hub, including the initiative to launch the university’s own Scopus-indexed journal.

Profiles:  Scopus |  Orcid | Google Scholar  | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Deshpande, A., Raut, R., Kaul, N., & Mittal, A. (2024). Mindfulness matters: unravelling its influence on job demands and emotional exhaustion in remote work. International Journal of Organizational Analysis. (Scopus Q1)

Mittal, A., Raheja, K., Raut, R. & Deshpande, A. (2023). Fostering perceived wealth among SMEs through green business: unveiling the mediating influence of consumers’ green attitude. Management of Environmental Quality. (Scopus Q1, ABDC B)

Deshpande, A., Raut, R., Gupta, K., Mittal, A., Raheja, D., Ekbote, N. & Kaul, N. (2023). Predictors of the continued intention of working professionals for pursuing e-learning courses for career advancement. Info Discovery and Delivery. (Scopus Q1)

Aggarwal, A., Mittal, A., Sharma, I., Chand, P. K., & Deshpande, A. (2025). Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it: the role of self-perceived employability among engineering graduates. Industrial and Commercial Training. (Scopus Q1, ABDC B)

Deshpande, A., Raut, R., Kaul, N., & Mittal, A. (2025). Tech facilitated fairness: examining the impact of technology on perceived fairness in interpersonal conflict resolution. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication. (Scopus Q2, Web of Science)

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).