Our PhD students Marell and Qing recently represented our lab at SXSW Sydney, bringing their research, creativity, and skills to one of the world’s leading innovation and creative festivals.

Marell participated in the Games Mentor Sessions, connecting with industry leaders, learning from experts, and expanding his perspective on both research and the games industry. He also helped run 'The State of XR' panel, alongside Emerson Philips, Matt Cabanag, and Jack O'Shea. The panel explored the future of Extended Reality, and Marell gained valuable experience in public speaking, event facilitation, and leading discussions, making a strong impression in his first-ever panel appearance.

Qing showcased her work at the Tech & Innovation Showcase, presenting innovative solutions for remote family communication using lifelike personal avatars and AI-generated photorealistic environments. Qing also created digital twins for audience members, allowing participants to engage directly with her technology and experience its potential firsthand.

Both Marell and Qing demonstrated how research can be translated into engaging, interactive experiences that connect with industry, communities, and wider audiences. Their work at SXSW Sydney is a fantastic example of the impact and reach of our lab’s PhD students.

We congratulate Marell and Qing on their achievements and look forward to seeing how their SXSW experiences will shape their research and careers in the year ahead.