We are excited to announce our new collaboration with the Càtedra de Salut Mental at the Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC). Our shared goal is to explore how immersive environments can support mental health research, prevention, and person-centered care.
For more information, click here.
A collaborative effort in mental health
The Mental Health Chair belongs to UVic-UCC and is jointly linked to its Faculty of Medicine and Fundació Althaia. Research within this alliance is led by professionals from the ISAMBES group (Innovation in Mental Health and Social Wellbeing), focused on generating practical knowledge that reaches local communities directly.
As part of this partnership, we work closely with Dr. Salvador Simó and Andrés Roccatagliata. Their experience in virtual reality spans diverse healthcare, wellbeing, and social inclusion projects: from mental health care to supporting older adults experiencing loneliness, university-based research (Campus Salut Mental), and cultural access initiatives.
A clear example of this work is the virtual reality recording of the Orquestra Barroca de Catalunya at the Miracle Monastery in Riner, commissioned by the Catalan Department of Culture. The goal: bringing music and culture directly to individuals who cannot attend in person due to illness or loneliness.
Now, the team is integrating Broomx’s immersive technology into their research lines to bring these experiences into new clinical and community settings.
A clear example of this work is the virtual reality recording of the Orquestra Barroca de Catalunya at the Miracle Monastery in Riner, commissioned by the Catalan Department of Culture. The goal: bringing music and culture directly to individuals who cannot attend in person due to illness or loneliness.
Now, the team is integrating Broomx’s immersive technology into their research lines to bring these experiences into new clinical and community settings.
Focus on Primary Care: Broomx and EBA Centelles
A key pillar of this collaboration is the Industrial PhD project led by Andrés Roccatagliata, conducted through the UVic-UCC Industrial PhD program alongside the EBA Centelles primary care center in Central Catalonia, with funding from AGAUR.
Supervised by Dr. Salvador Simó and Dr. Jordi Naudó, this research evaluates the practical application of screen-based, headset-free immersive technology directly in primary and community care, offering accessible, non-invasive therapeutic tools for local patients.
In parallel with this line of research, Francesc Guasch is developing a second doctoral thesis, supervised by Dr. Salvador Simó and Dr. Maite Garolera, with a predoctoral grant from UVic-UCC. His work focuses on applying virtual reality across social care settings and community mental health.
Looking Ahead
We design and deploy technology to give it a clear purpose and a positive impact on people’s daily lives. We look forward to sharing further updates and research findings as this project moves forward.