Laboratories play a crucial role in research and innovation across various fields. Specialized laboratories are dedicated to specific areas of study, allowing researchers to delve deep into their respective fields and make significant advancements. In this article, we will explore some of the specialized laboratories at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and the groundbreaking research being conducted in these facilities.
Neuro Lab: The Study of the Brain
The Neuro Lab is a research space in neuropsychology and neuroscience that follows in the footsteps of the Cognitive NeuroLab. It focuses on studying human cognitive processes, their alterations, and their recovery or rehabilitation. This laboratory investigates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental illnesses, primarily through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Research is also directed towards finding biomarkers for these diseases based on neuroimaging and the application of artificial intelligence to better understand and diagnose pathologies, including the study of normal brain function.
„We hope that, in addition to the members of the Cognitive NeuroLab, the new laboratory will be equipped with specialized personnel to enhance research in the area of neuropsychology and neuroscience,“ says Elena Muñoz, the laboratory coordinator, a professor at the Health Sciences Studies and principal investigator of the Cognitive NeuroLab research group.
XR Lab: Immersive Technologies
The XR Lab, dedicated to immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, is part of the newly created laboratories at UOC. Research in this lab focuses on immersive technologies and their applications in healthcare and education.
Officially established with the creation of the Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation Hub, UOC has been researching immersive technologies for some time. Pierre Bourdin, a professor and researcher at the Computer Science, Multimedia, and Telecommunications Studies (EIMT) and coordinator of the XR Lab, explains, „We have been conducting research in this field at UOC since 2015.“ The lab aims to produce innovative formats for knowledge transfer and dissemination, integrating aspects of communication and design, advanced storytelling, experimentation in future social media, cutting-edge advertising creativity, and innovation journalism.
Audiovisual & Sound Lab: Creativity and Cultural Experimentation
The Audiovisual & Sound Lab, along with the Social Networks & Gaming Lab and the Design & Maker Lab, are part of the newly created laboratories at UOC. These labs, coordinated by Daniel Aranda and Efraín Foglia, are open to cultural experimentation and focused on research, transfer, creativity, and innovation.
The Audiovisual & Sound Lab is a multidisciplinary space for visual and auditory experimentation where the research team can produce and experiment with video and audio content tailored to new internet scenarios, embracing new audiovisual formats and contemporary audiences.
Social Networks & Gaming Lab: Digital Communication Networks
The Social Networks & Gaming Lab is dedicated to the practical research of social networks and digital sociability environments. It serves as an interaction space for researchers, equipped with computers and microelectronics devices. The lab aims to investigate the transformations and specific forms of communication in the digital society, advancing research and knowledge transfer in creativity and innovation in communication.
Design & Maker Lab: Digital Design and Manufacturing
The Design & Maker Lab is an experimentation space for digital design and manufacturing, providing tools, software, hardware, and technical advice to enhance research in the future of design and its new digital processes. The lab delves into understanding the changes brought about by the impact of the internet on professional activities, focusing on the advantages of digital manufacturing in design.
Wireless Networks Lab: Cyber-Physical Systems
The Wireless Networks Lab supports research and development of cyber-physical systems, enabling cutting-edge research and prototyping, measuring, and evaluating systems of this nature. Specializing in electronic systems, antenna design, communication systems, and computer systems, the lab complements expertise in data science.
With the creation of these laboratories at UOC, researchers, young investigators, and master’s and doctoral students can work cooperatively, enriching themselves through the presence of experienced colleagues in the same discipline or others. These specialized laboratories foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge transfer, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields of study.