Warwick Names XR Researcher Through Talent Fund
The University of Warwick has appointed Dr Markus Tatzgern as Associate Professor (Reader) in Creative Technologies as part of its £4.35 million award from the UK Government’s Global Talent Fund.
Dr Tatzgern will join the university on 1 September 2026. He brings more than 15 years of experience in Extended Reality (XR), Human-Computer Interaction and artificial intelligence. His work concentrates on integrating digital information into everyday life, including workplaces and cultural environments, through technologies such as smart glasses and headsets.
Prior to the appointment, Dr Tatzgern led a team that developed a Virtual Reality breathing mask designed to accurately measure and adjust breathing resistance. The technology was developed for use in respiratory therapy and highly immersive training simulations.
The appointment forms part of Warwick’s attempts to strengthen its activities in Creative Technology, known as CreaTech. The university said the move shows its concentration on collaboration between Warwick Manufacturing Group and the Faculty of Arts.
At Warwick, Dr Tatzgern will lead research on integrating XR technologies into industrial and creative settings. The work will examine how XR can support workers in manufacturing environments by improving immediate decision-making, productivity, and safety.
The research will also examine the use of XR in storytelling and audience involvement. The work will examine forms of expression that allow audiences to experience performances through immersive technologies.
The University of Warwick stated that the appointment contributes to its cross-disciplinary research activity in Creative Technology. The institution said its CreaTech work brings together creativity and technology across sectors, including gaming, immersive media, fashion, architecture and entertainment.
The university stated that expanding its CreaTech community supports the development of talent, the growth of new ideas and alliance between research and creative industries. It said this approach brings together research activity and creative sectors in the development of products, services and experiences.
Dr Tatzgern stated that Warwick’s interdisciplinary environment, which brings together engineering, manufacturing and the arts, was a factor in his decision to join the university. He also referred to Warwick’s position as a Russell Group university, its PhD programmes, its research infrastructure and the United Kingdom’s standing in the field of human-computer interaction.
He stated that the Global Talent Fund played an important role in supporting his move to Warwick and in supplying resources and structures to establish a collaborative research agenda in extended reality technologies.
The appointment has been made possible through the Government’s Global Talent Fund, which supports Warwick in recruiting international research talent to the United Kingdom. The university stated that Dr Tatzgern intends to begin building a research team by recruiting a senior researcher supported by the Global Talent Fund, alongside two PhD studentships.
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, stated that the recruitment of international researchers aligns with the aims of Warwick CreaTech. The university stated that the initiative focuses on integrating creativity and technology across a range of sectors to support collaboration and research.
The university stated that the growth of its CreaTech community contributes to talent development, the generation of new ideas and connections between research and creative industries.
Warwick was one of 12 institutions selected by UK Research and Innovation to deliver the Global Talent Fund. The university’s programme centres on the intersection of advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.
The Global Talent Fund was established to attract leading researchers to the United Kingdom. According to information provided by the university, the programme is intended to support innovation, strengthen key sectors and add to long-term economic growth.
Science Minister Lord Vallance stated that leading researchers in fields including artificial intelligence, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy are choosing to conduct research in the United Kingdom. He also referred to the country’s science and research community and to participation in Horizon Europe, which supports research collaboration with international partners.
The appointment of Dr Tatzgern adds expertise in XR, Human-Computer Interaction and artificial intelligence to Warwick’s Creative Technology activities. The recruitment was announced as part of the university’s participation in the Global Talent Fund programme and its research activity linking advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.
