Alejandra del Valle

LabLENI carries out research activities for a better understanding and enhancement of human cognition combining insights and methods from computer science, psychology and neuroscience. We also develop solutions to support  real-life studies and interventions, rather than for use in laboratory settings only. LabLENI was created in 1990, at that time its name was DID Group (Design and Image Developments) and it was formed by a small group of researchers and Ph.D. students. In the early years, the lab focused on digital image processing and computer graphics. In its first decade, i3B focused its developments in medical image, hence renamed MedIClab (Medical Image Computing Laboratory). During those years, the laboratory was devoted almost exclusively to the development of systems for medical image processing and computer-assisted surgery. In that decade i3B began working in the emerging field of virtual therapy, i.e. the application of virtual reality techniques for the treatment of psychological disorders. This allowed LENI acquiring high technical expertise in virtual reality and human behavior tracking. During its second decade, the institute was integrated in the Interuniversity Institute I3BH and was renamed Institute of Human Centred Technology (LabHuman). At that time, the institute considerably increased its activity in areas such as surgery, medical imaging treatment, mental health and education while new modes of human-machine interaction and tracking of human activity were studied. In its third decade, LabLENI, besides maintaining its research in areas related to health and education, has integrated new research areas centered around neuroeconomics. We are a multidisciplinary 50-people team joining efforts to shape the future. Our team of engineers, psychologists, mathematicians, UX experts use new technologies such as extended realities, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence we are able to develop market-oriented solutions that solve current problems in companies. We are specialised in VR-Training, immersive learning and citizen behaviour among other research areas.