Academic Profile

I believe intelligent systems should not think for us, but with us. My research is guided by a simple ambition: that the support technology offers us today can become a capability we carry with us tomorrow.

At the intersection of humans, computers and their interactions, I explore Cognitive, Affective and Agentic Incorporation as an XR Design Space: designing around how we perceive and remember (cognition), how we feel (emotion), and what we can choose and control (agency). Because XR blends the real and the virtual, it can engage several routes into memory at once: what we imagine, what we see, hear and touch, how we move, what we feel, and where we are. When something is learned through several of these routes, it does not have to depend on a single path; if one route weakens, through ageing, a neurocognitive condition, stress or distraction, another can still lead the way back.

To build these routes around each person, I combine XR with AI and biosensing, grounded in psychology and theories of human memory, creating adaptive systems that respond to individual needs. Across skill learning, attention and neurocognitive support, I keep returning to one question: how can adaptive XR strengthen human capabilities rather than replace them?

• Cognitive Augmentation
• Affective Engagement
• Human Agency
• Extended Reality (AR/VR/MR)
• AI and Biosensing in XR
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Learning and Skill Acquisition
• Multisensory Memory Encoding
• WebXR and Immersive Systems

Academic Appointments

Research Projects & Proposal Development

Research Projects

Submitted Proposals

Education

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• 2026 M. Weerasinghe, M. Kljun, N. T. Attygalle, A. Quigley, J. Grubert, V. Biener, J. Yoneyama, H. Kato, and K. Čopič Pucihar. “ARText: Vocabulary Learning with Personalised and Predefined Keyword-Associations in Augmented Reality.” International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, in press. Preprint IN PRESS Q1
• 2026 K. Čopič Pucihar, K. Trajkovska, M. Weerasinghe, A. Waqas, D. A. Parry, D. B. le Roux, and M. Kljun. “Can Immersion Protect us From Distraction? The Impact of Real-World Distractions on Learning in Augmented Reality.” International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, online first. DOI: 10.1080/10447318.2026.2633224 Q1
• 2025 M. Weerasinghe, S. Macdonald, C. Fiani, J. O'Hagan, M. Chollet, M. McGill, and M. Khamis. “Beyond Mute and Block: Adoption and Effectiveness of Safety Tools in Social VR, from Ubiquitous Harassment to Social Sculpting.” IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 31(5), 3275–3284. DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2025.3549860. Presented at IEEE VR 2025 (journal track). Q1 CORE A*
• 2025 J. A. Deja, S. Štor, I. Pucihar, M. Weerasinghe, R. M. Balbin, K. Čopič Pucihar, and M. Kljun. “ImproVisAR: Designing Augmented Reality Piano Roll for Teaching Improvisation.” Virtual Reality, 29(3), Article 140. DOI: 10.1007/s10055-025-01215-z Q1
• 2023 M. Weerasinghe, K. Čopič Pucihar, J. Ducasse, A. Quigley, A. Toniolo, A. Miguel, N. Caluya, and M. Kljun. “Exploring the Future Building: Representational Effects on Projecting Oneself into the Future Office Space.” Virtual Reality, 27(1), 51–70. DOI: 10.1007/s10055-022-00673-z Q1
• 2022 M. Weerasinghe, A. Quigley, K. Čopič Pucihar, A. Toniolo, A. Miguel, and M. Kljun. “Arigatō: Effects of Adaptive Guidance on Engagement and Performance in Augmented Reality Learning Environments.” IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 28(11), 3737–3747. DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3203088. Presented at IEEE ISMAR 2022 (journal track). Q1 CORE A*
• 2022 M. Weerasinghe, V. Biener, J. Grubert, A. Quigley, A. Toniolo, K. Čopič Pucihar, and M. Kljun. “VocabulARy: Learning Vocabulary in AR Supported by Keyword Visualisations.” IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 28(11), 3748–3758. DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3203116. Presented at IEEE ISMAR 2022 (journal track). Q1 CORE A*
• 2022 V. Biener, S. Kalamkar, N. Nouri, E. Ofek, M. Pahud, J. J. Dudley, J. Hu, P. O. Kristensson, M. Weerasinghe, K. Čopič Pucihar, M. Kljun, S. Streuber, and J. Grubert. “Quantifying the Effects of Working in VR for One Week.” IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 28(11), 3810–3820. DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3203103. Presented at IEEE ISMAR 2022 (journal track). Q1 CORE A*
• 2020 S. S. Vithanage, M. S. Ratnadiwakara, D. Sandaruwan, S. Arunathileka, M. Weerasinghe, and C. Ranasinghe. “Identifying Muscle Strength Imbalances in Athletes using Motion Analysis Incorporated with Sensory Inputs.” International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 11(4). DOI: 10.14569/IJACSA.2020.01104105
• 2018 S. Vithanage, M. Ratnadiwakara, D. Sandaruwan, S. M. K. D. Arunathileka, M. Weerasinghe, and C. Ranasinghe. “A Novel Approach to Detect Muscle Strength Imbalances via Motion Analysis Using Sensory Inputs.” European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 6(5), 37–50.
• 2018 H. Tennakoon, C. Paranamana, M. Weerasinghe, D. Sandaruwan, and K. Mahindarathne. “A Novel Musculoskeletal Imbalance Identification Mechanism for Lower Body Analyzing Gait Cycle by Motion Tracking.” International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 10(3), 27–34. DOI: 10.5815/ijitcs.2018.03.04
• 2018 H. Gunatilake, D. Hidellaarachchi, S. Perera, D. Sandaruwan, and M. Weerasinghe. “An ICT Based Solution for Virtual Garment Fitting for Online Market Place.” International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 10(2), 60–72. DOI: 10.5815/ijitcs.2018.02.06
• 2017 C. Paranamana, H. Tennakoon, D. Sandaruwan, M. Weerasinghe, and K. Mahindarathne. “An ICT Oriented Approach to Identify Imbalances of Lower Body Musculoskeletal System via Gait and Posture Analysis Using Kinect.” European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 5(6), 1–10.
• 2017 S. Gunasinghe, G. K. A. Dias, D. Sandaruwan, and M. Weerasinghe. “A Real-Time 6DOF Computational Model to Simulate Ram-Air Parachute Dynamics.” International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 9(3), 19–27. DOI: 10.5815/ijitcs.2017.03.03
• 2015 A. Nisansala, M. Weerasinghe, G. K. A. Dias, D. Sandaruwan, and N. Kodikara. “Soft Tissue Modeling Techniques in Surgery Simulation.” International Journal of Computer and Information Technology, 4(5), 826–831.
• 2015 A. Nisansala, M. Weerasinghe, G. K. A. Dias, D. Sandaruwan, C. Keppitiyagama, N. Kodikara, C. Perera, and P. Samarasinghe. “Flight Simulator for Serious Gaming.” European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 3(1), 53–64.

Selected Conference, Workshop & Demo Publications

• 2026 J. A. Deja, F. J. Hidalgo, R. M. Sarmiento, J. L. Miranda, E. Ducut, M. D. Gamboa, S. Štor, I. Butaslac III, N. R. Caluya, and M. Weerasinghe. “MetaMelodies as a Portable Piano Improvisation Learning Space.” ACM Interactive Surfaces and Spaces (ISS 2026), demo. ACCEPTED
• 2026 R. M. Sarmiento, J. L. Miranda, E. Ducut, F. J. Hidalgo, S. Štor, M. Weerasinghe, and J. A. Deja. “Same Lessons, Different Pathways: Exploring HMD-Based Guidance for Jazz Piano Improvisation.” ACM Interactive Surfaces and Spaces (ISS 2026), poster. ACCEPTED
• 2026 R. Rodrigo, D. Sandaruwan, and M. Weerasinghe. “Moving the Bottleneck: Performance Trade-offs of WebAssembly and WebGPU in WebXR.” ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (VRST 2026). Full paper. ACCEPTED CORE A
• 2026 J. A. Deja, I. Butaslac III, N. R. Caluya, and M. Weerasinghe. “Directing the Robot: Scaffolding Creative Human-AI-Robot Interaction.” 3rd InterAI Workshop at ACM CHI 2026.
• 2026 K. Trajkovska, M. Kljun, M. Weerasinghe, and K. Čopič Pucihar. “Personalised 3D Mnemonics for Vocabulary Learning in Context.” IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR 2026), poster. CORE A* · ADJUNCT
• 2026 K. Trajkovska, M. Kljun, M. Weerasinghe, and K. Čopič Pucihar. “VocabulARy 2.0: A Generative AR System Enabling Personalised 3D Mnemonics for Vocabulary Learning in Context.” IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR 2026), demo. CORE A* · ADJUNCT
• 2025 N. T. Attygalle, M. Kljun, A. Quigley, K. Čopič Pucihar, J. Grubert, V. Biener, L. A. Leiva, J. Yoneyama, A. Toniolo, A. Miguel, H. Kato, and M. Weerasinghe. “Text-to-Image Generation for Vocabulary Learning Using the Keyword Method.” ACM IUI 2025, 1381–1397. BEST PAPER CORE A
• 2024 M. Weerasinghe, M. Kljun, and K. Čopič Pucihar. “A Cross-Device Interaction with the Smartphone and HMD for Vocabulary Learning.” EICS 2024 International Workshops, LNCS 15518, 269–282.
• 2024 M. Weerasinghe, L. Ribič, M. Kljun, K. Čopič Pucihar, and I. Devetak. “Augmented Reality Training System Fusing the Triple Nature of Chemical Concepts.” HCI Slovenia 2024, 64–70.
• 2022 M. Weerasinghe, V. Biener, J. Grubert, J. A. Deja, N. T. Attygalle, K. Trajkovska, M. Kljun, and K. Čopič Pucihar. “VocabulARy Replicated: Comparing Teenagers to Young Adults.” IEEE ISMAR 2022 Adjunct, 283–285. CORE A* · ADJUNCT
• 2022 N. Kovačević, M. Weerasinghe, and J. A. Deja. “Retzzles: Engaging Users towards Retention through Touchscreen Puzzles.” ACM ISS 2022 Companion, poster, 14–17. DOI: 10.1145/3532104.3571531
• 2021 M. Weerasinghe. “Instructional Guidance in Extended Reality for Learning.” ACM MobileHCI 2021 Adjunct. CORE B · ADJUNCT
• 2021 M. Weerasinghe, M. Kljun, K. Čopič Pucihar, and P. Coulton. “Playing with the Artworks: A Personalised Artwork Experience.” HCI Slovenia 2021, 74–79.
• 2019 M. Kljun, K. Čopič Pucihar, J. M. Alexander, M. Weerasinghe, C. Campos, J. Ducasse, B. Kopačin, J. Grubert, P. Coulton, and M. Čelar. “Augmentation not Duplication: Considerations for the Design of Digitally-Augmented Comic Books.” ACM CHI 2019, 1–12. CORE A*
• 2019 M. Weerasinghe, N. T. Attygalle, and J. Ducasse. “Virtual Reality and Neurocognitive Intervention: Rehabilitation Approaches towards Assisting Autistic Children with Cognitive Deficit.” HCI-IS 2019.
• 2018 M. Weerasinghe, M. Kljun, K. Čopič Pucihar, and A. Quigley. “Novel Technologies in Teaching and Learning towards Enhanced Knowledge Retention.” ACM womENcourage 2018.
• 2018 M. Weerasinghe, et al. “An Active Video Game Based Lower-Limb Rehabilitation Approach to Assist Children with Cerebral Palsy.” ACM womENcourage 2018.
• 2016 M. Weerasinghe, G. K. A. Dias, A. Dharmaratne, D. Sandaruwan, A. Nisansala, C. Keppitiyagama, and N. Kodikara. “Computer Aid Assessment of Muscular Imbalance for Preventing Overuse Injuries in Athletes.” ACM ICCIP 2016, 244–248.
• 2016 M. Weerasinghe, A. Nisansala, D. Sandaruwan, N. Kodikara, C. Keppitiyagama, K. Dias, et al. “Virtual Eye: A Smarter Mode of Interaction to Virtual Tours.” ACM MobiSys 2016 Companion, poster. CORE A · COMPANION
• 2015 N. Harischandra, N. Kodikara, D. Sandaruwan, G. K. A. Dias, and M. Weerasinghe. “Real-Time Simulation of Aero-optical Distortions Due to Air Density Fluctuations at Supersonic Speed.” ICONIP 2015 (Neural Information Processing), LNCS, 653–662. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-26555-1_74 CORE B
• 2013 M. Weerasinghe, D. Sandaruwan, C. Keppitiyagama, and N. Kodikara. “A Novel Approach to Simulate Wind-Driven Ocean Waves in the Deep Ocean.” IEEE ICTer 2013.

Books & Chapters

• 2024 M. Weerasinghe, A. Quigley, J. Ducasse, K. Čopič Pucihar, and M. Kljun. “Educational Augmented Reality Games.” In Augmented Reality Games II: The Gamification of Education, Medicine and Art, Springer, 3–38.
• 2019 M. Weerasinghe, et al. “Educational Augmented Reality Games.” In Augmented Reality Games II, Springer, 3–32.

Teaching

Research Supervision & Mentoring

Knowledge Transfer

Conference Organisation

• Proceedings Chair — HCI SI 20216th Human-Computer Interaction Slovenia Conference, University of Primorska, Koper. Conference page2021

International Program Committees

• ACM VRSTACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology2026
• IEEE ISMARIEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality2026202520242023
• IEEE VRIEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces20262025
• ICXRInternational Conference on Extended Reality2026

Mentoring

• IEEE ISMAR Speed MentorshipMentor at the IEEE Computer Society speed-mentorship session for student attendees, Bari, Italy. Event page2026
• Google Developers Club FAMNIT HackathonMentor at the Google Developers Club FAMNIT Hackathon, Koper, Slovenia202620252022

Thesis Examiner

• MSc Thesis DefenceData Science, FAMNIT, University of Primorska20262025
• BSc Thesis DefenceComputer Science, FAMNIT, University of Primorska20262025

Peer Reviewing

Conferences

• ACM CHIConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · Papers, Late-Breaking Work2026202520242023
• ACM IUIConference on Intelligent User Interfaces · Papers20262025
• Mensch und ComputerShort Papers202620252024
• ACM MobileHCIConference on Mobile Human-Computer Interaction · Papers, Late-Breaking Work20252024
• IEEE ISMARInternational Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality · Papers2025
• IEEE VRConference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces · Papers20242023
• HCI-ISHuman-Computer Interaction in Information Society2021
• ICTerInternational Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions20162015

Journals

• Computers & Education Open2025
• IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer GraphicsTVCG2024

Professional Memberships & Research Tools

Full publication record: Google Scholar · ORCID: 0000-0003-2691-601X