Research projects

The Blue BALANCE project aims to create support among citizens and tourists for sustainable economic activities along the coast (including coastal protection, blue food, renewable energy, ports, and tourism).                                                                        

How does listening to music affect brain development? The KidBeats project considers music as a crucial factor in children's development, although technology isn't fully prepared to bridge the gap between musicians and children.                                                    

Gen Z (individuals born between 1995 and 2009) is the future – as citizens, consumers, and employees. However, Gen Z keeps their cards close to the chest.                                                                                                                              

In this project, the prototype of the VR training (developed in the PWO SPRINT EDU XR) is optimized and expanded. This VR training is aimed at secondary school students (vocational orientation) learning to operate complex woodworking machines.                                     

The success of online shopping, coupled with the recent impact of COVID, is putting pressure on Flemish retail and the retail sector. This has direct consequences for store owners, who must reorganize themselves as pickup points for online shoppers or even close their stores.    

Media outlets in Flanders are facing challenges in capturing the interest of Gen Z in news. They seem to be losing connection with young audiences. NewZ Lab is exploring possibilities to engage this demographic. It focuses on the current media consumption habits of young people.

Internationally, there is a growing trend of cross-over collaborations between the gaming industry and the music sector, experimenting with virtual productions.                                                                                                                        

It is well-known that the use of XR leads to better student outcomes and that the technology can better support the learning process. Thanks to XR, students can safely practice situations that would otherwise be difficult or impossible due to financial or safety reasons.