Our team
Since 2008 the Virtual Human Dynamics laboratory has investigated topics related to virtual environments and the use of new technologies through statistical mechanics and complex system science tools. Particular attention is given to psychosocial and neurocognitive aspects of such dynamics.
The laboratory’s scientific network composed of scholars from different universities and research fields allows reaching a multidisciplinary understanding of those human phenomena related to the Internet and technological artifacts.
The purely multidisciplinary vocation of the laboratory allows the integration of neurocognitive (e.g., pupillometer, event-related potential), psychological and performance measurements, for the study of human interaction within virtual environments and through new technologies.
In the last years, VirtHuLab produced more than 100 scientific publications and also contributed with its expertise to multiple multidisciplinary European projects.
VirtHuLab skills and expertise also allow its scholars to assess devices and web-based platforms' usability, using psychological and neuropsychological models (e.g., Sweller, 1994).
Moreover, VirtHuLab already successfully implemented strategies able to improve the perceptive and cognitive ergonomics of new technologies that involve human-machine interactions (Gaines & Monk, 2015; Nielsen, 1999).
VirtHuLab is a representative part of Work Living Lab, opened to innovation ecosystems in real-life environments. Using a lifecycle approach of an innovation it focuses on creating sustainable impact, co-creation, rapid prototyping & testing, scaling-up innovations & businesses, and providing (different types of) joint-value to the engaged stakeholders.
In this context, our laboratory operates as intermediary/ orchestrator among citizens, research organizations, companies and government agencies/levels. Through this synergy, we aim to foster collaboration and innovation, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources to promote sustainable and beneficial solutions for all parties involved."
Organization of the laboratory
Our Partners
The Virthulab is part of a reality where we collaborate to inspire innovation and growth. Together, we explore new frontiers of knowledge and create meaningful connections with an interdisciplinary perspective, forging a path toward shared success and ongoing discovery.
Science, technology, and innovation play an increasingly significant role in our lives, leading to substantial changes in our habits, modes of communication, work environment, and entertainment. One of the primary goals of our partner, Caffè Scienza, is to make scientific communication more accessible by distancing it from elitist perceptions.
Moreover, the inter-departmental Center for the Study of Complex Dynamics (CSDC) of the University of Florence is another active partner that aims to coordinate scientific communication and research among the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics and Informatics, Biology, Information and Civil Engineering, Education Science and Psychology, Medicine.
Joint Laboratory
MCAR (Multisetting Community Action-Research) is a collaborative laboratory, founded in 2019, focused on research and intervention design in the psychosocial field.
Based on the original psychosocial model of research-action and enriched by the study of human dynamics in virtual environments, it particularly references to the application of constructs from social and community psychology.
The projects and interventions aim to enhance the resources of individuals, groups and communities and promote participation, sustainability and well-being.
Research Unit
The PsicoBioSynergetics Research Unit distinguishes itself through a broad exploration of challenges in medical, psychological, and engineering domains. Its primary objective is to efficiently integrate theoretical models, harnessing the potential of new technologies in clinical, nursing, and psychological sciences. Additionally, it applies psychophysics to model neuropsychological and cognitive phenomena, incorporating technologies like eye-tracking and sentiment analysis.
Among its goals are the extension of promoting resilient communities, addressing challenges like climate change, fostering psychosocial well-being, and utilizing gaming as an educational tool. The unit implements hybrid approaches to assessment and rehabilitation for sustainable, community-based healthcare, through AI-based and systems theory approaches for clinical and psychological innovations.
Founder
Dr. Andrea Guazzini
Associate professor of social psychology.
Researcher at Dep. of Education, Languages, Intercultural studies, Literatures, and Psychology, University of Florence.
How to reach us
University of Florence
Dipartimento di Formazione, Lingue, Intercultura, Letterature e Psicologia (FORLILPSI)
Via di San Salvi, 12 - Pad. 26 - 50135 Firenze
Phone: 055/2755000
