Dr Sanaz Fallahkhair is a Principal Lecturer in Human-Centred AI and Interaction at the School of Architecture, Technology, and Engineering, University of Brighton. She leads and manages the Brighton User-Centred Design Laboratory, which offers research, innovation, and consultancy in the areas of Human-Centred AI, User Experience Design (UX), product development, and UX testing and evaluation. The laboratory can be explored further at Brighton UCD. 

I have previously served as Director of Postgraduate Research (PhD) Studies and as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead. 

My Research and PhD supervisory interests lie at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on designing and developing intelligent technologies that meaningfully integrate into people's everyday lives. I am particularly interested in supervising projects that explore how users’ experience (UX), cognition, emotion, and socio-cultural context shape human interactions with AI-driven systems across a range of platforms—including wearable, mobile, ubiquitous, tag-based, and robotic technologies. I am especially keen on applications within healthcare and education domains. Supervision areas include: Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI); Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Data Visualisations; User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design; Human-Robot Interaction (HRI); Machine Learning (ML); Natural Language Processing (NLP); User Modelling and Adaptive Systems; and Ethical, Inclusive, and Explainable AI.  

I have contributed to several  projects at international and national levels, also attracted additional funding by notable bodies including the European Commission's FP6-EU, UK Research Councils' JISC, the Department of Health, FAPESP (Brazil), and CONICYT (Chile). Her significant projects include the TAMALLE project (Television and Mobile Assisted Language Learning Environment), LOGOS project (Knowledge on-demand for Ubiquitous Learning), and CloudBank project (Mobile Knowledge Sharing for Advanced Language Learners).

I do serve as an expert reviewer for the European Research Executive Agency (REA), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Research Fellowship scheme, among others. She also reviews for IEEE Communications Magazine and the Journal of Computers and Education, and is a member of the Review Board of the International Journal of Knowledge Based and Intelligent Engineering Systems (KES).

• Pool of experts reviewer responsible for evaluating Grant Proposals for the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
• Pool of experts responsible for reviewing Grant Proposals submitted to UKIR (UK Research and Innovation) and reviewed many grant applications submitted for EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Science Research Council), MRC (Medical Research Council) and ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grant funding since 2016. 
• Expert reviewer of Royal Academy of Engineering RAEng Research Fellowship scheme
• Reviewer of the IEEE Communications Magazine
• Reviewer of Journal of Computers and Education
• Member of the Review Board of the International Journal of Knowledge Based and Intelligent Engineering Systems (KES)

On a personal level, Sanaz is an advocate for women in STEM and is actively involved in the Athena Swan working group at the University of Brighton. Outside of academia, she is committed to outreach initiatives, encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM fields. She is also a keen environmentalist, yogi, and cyclist.

My research and PhD supervisory interests lie at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on designing and developing intelligent technologies that meaningfully integrate into people's everyday lives. I am particularly interested in supervising projects that explore how users’ experience (UX), cognition, emotion, and socio-cultural context shape human interactions with AI-driven systems across a range of platforms—including wearable, mobile, ubiquitous, tag-based, and robotic technologies. I am especially keen on applications within healthcare and education domains. Supervision areas include: Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI); Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Data Visualisations; User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design; Human-Robot Interaction (HRI); Machine Learning (ML); Natural Language Processing (NLP); User Modelling and Adaptive Systems; and Ethical, Inclusive, and Explainable AI.  

Key Research Themes:

• Human–Computer Interaction (Human–Robot Interaction, UX and Usability, Wearable Interfaces, Accessibility and Assistive Technologies)
• Applied AI (Human-Centred AI,  AI Ethics, Explainable AI, ML for Behavioural Analytics, NLP, Computer Vision, Language and Cultural Heritage)
• Cognitive and Affective Computing (Digital Twins, Neurodivergent Support, Biophilic Design)

Current Research Projects:

Project 1: Development of a Novel Evaluation Framework for Human–Robot Interaction

A case study exploring Digital Twin technologies to support neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD. This project aims to develop and validate a human-centred evaluation framework for assessing relational, cognitive, and emotional dimensions of Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) in assistive and educational contexts.

Project 2: Development of Wearable AI-Powered Glasses and Personalised Interaction Modalities

This project focuses on designing and prototyping an AI-enhanced wearable system (smart glasses) that adapts to users’ individual preferences and cognitive styles to support informal language acquisition and cultural learning. The study integrates speech recognition, contextual AI, and multimodal interaction design to facilitate intuitive and adaptive learning experiences.

Project 3: Machine Learning and AI Algorithms for Behavioural Diagnostics

This research investigates the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms capable of detecting atypical behavioural patterns, such as abnormal hand movements, to aid in the early diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, and dementia. The project combines motion capture, computer vision, and data analytics to identify biomarkers linked to neurocognitive conditions.

Project 4: Investigating the Effects of Biophilic Design Using Eye-Tracking Technology

This project examines how biophilic design elements—such as natural patterns, textures, and spatial configurations—affect users’ attention, emotional states, and cognitive performance. Using advanced eye-tracking technologies, the study quantifies visual engagement and psychological responses to inform evidence-based architectural and digital design practices.

Past Research Projects:

•  Artificial Intelligence Ethics:  Development of Evidence-based, Empirical-based Ethical Guidelines for Design and Development of AI-based Systems.

• Evaluation and testing of Sport Technologies, factor including usability and beyond usability, including brain/cognitive performance using EEG devices. The project aims to develop a set of guidelines for sport tech industry to incorporate in design of human centred technologies, to maximise usability, and beyond usability, i.e. efficiency, effectiveness, user satisfaction, and cognitive performance. 

• Research project with University of São Paulo, Universito of Chile, Es el Senor Vagner de Sousa Beserra. Colaboración Internacional para el desarrollo de la Televisión Digital Terrestre Educativa en Chile - to develop an International consortium to explore a potential of educational application for digital television (DTV).

• Sentiment Analysis and Data Mining of Educational Application from Twitter, University of Portsmouth, and Edge Hill University.

• Empirical study to investigate and evaluate Human Robotic Interaction, mainly aspects of usability in terms of, technology acceptances, efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction.

• User-centred development of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), in collaboration of Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

• Smart ambient – development of location based informal learning through mobile and ubiquitous technologies in collaboration of University of Portsmouth and University of Al-Mustansiriyah.

• Brain Computer Interface (BCI): Experimental study to evaluate cognitive loads and performances of users using technologies in edutainment and digital well-being (in particular, mobile apps and wearable technologies)

My PhD supervisory interests align closely with my research areas, reflecting my extensive experience and publications. Key research themes include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience (UX), and User Modelling and Adaptation, Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP). I am particularly interested in domains such as self-management of Digital Healthcare , Mental Health (ADHD), language development, and the cultural heritage sector.

I have successfully supervised three PhD students from inception to completion and have also served as an examiner for six PhD defences and vivas.

If you are interested in pursuing PhD studies, please get in touch.

I teach in the area of Human Computer Interaction, and Data Management at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. I have been responsible as Award/Course Leader for BA Business Information Systems, and BSc Business Computing Systems at University of Brighton, and also I lead MSc Information System at University of Portsmouth where I held Senior Lectureship position in the past.

I've supervised more than 150 UG and PG dissertations and degree projects, at BSc, BA, MA, MSc, MBA levels. Currently, I am leading HCI PG and UG Modules at the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics. The following modules I am currently leading:

• MSc Module - IDM21 Interaction Design and Evaluation Process
• MSc Module - ISM122 Data Management 
• MSc Module - IDM22 Interface and Information Design
• BSc Module – CI604 Usability Evaluation 
• BSc Module - CI536 Integrated Group Project in Computing.
• BSc Module - CI601 - Final year Degree and Dissertaion Project
• MSc Module - IDM90 - Final year Master Degree and Dissertaion Project