Thrive Lab
Transforming Health Research Using Immersive Virtual Reality
About us
Thrive Lab’s work bridges mental health and social psychology principles, and cutting-edge technology to create transformative solutions for well-being. We are dedicated to building healthier and more resilient societies through Virtual Reality and AI-driven innovations.
The lab is a spin-off of the Social Psychology Research Lab and VRx Lab. Through our research, we prioritize real-world applications targeted for academia, governmental organizations, and private enterprises. We design solutions that help people navigate complex social dynamics, reduce biases, and foster healthier, more empathetic communities.
The lab has been launched with an 18-month project funded by the Dubai Future Foundation, exploring AI-driven trauma interventions in virtual reality.
Our Aim, Mission, and Vision
Aim:
To bridge research and technology in building immersive, evidence-based solutions that enhance mental well-being and drive social change.
Mission:
To design, test, and implement tech-based interventions that:
- Advance mental health care through innovative, research-driven approaches
- Empower institutions to address social challenges through immersive training and behavior change interventions
Vision:
A world where immersive technology reshapes health and society, making interventions more impactful, scalable, and human-centered.
The Team
Dr. Nishtha Lamba
Associate Professor, Psychology
Head, Thrive Lab
Dr. Sameer Kishore
Associate Professor, Robotics
Head, Thrive Lab
Our Collaborators
We actively collaborate with leading academics and institutions, including:
Flagship Project Funded by Dubai Future Foundation
AI-Driven Trauma Interventions in Virtual Reality
Our flagship project, funded by Dubai Future Foundation, explores how AI-powered VR experiences can support trauma recovery. This research investigates:
- The role of immersive environments in emotional processing and healing
- How AI-driven personalization enhances intervention effectiveness
- The broader applications of VR in mental health treatment and social impact
This project lays the foundation for Thrive Lab’s broader mission—using technology to improve lives and drive social transformation.
