05/05/2026
đź’ˇFrom immersive firefighting simulations to reshaping how we understand and engage with mental health, two ADA researchers are using virtual reality to solve problems well beyond the university walls.
Scientia Professor Dennis del Favero - whose AI-driven iFire platform is helping firefighters and incident commanders prepare for real-world fire fronts - and Scientia Professor Jill Bennett -whose work through UNSW’s Big Anxiety Research Centre is transforming how we connect with lived experiences of mental health - have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of NSW.
This recognition acknowledges both the depth of their expertise and the meaningful contribution they make through their research.
Scientia Professor Jill Bennett is recognised for her “significant contribution to the arts, media and visual communication”. As an ARC Laureate Fellow and Director of the Big Anxiety Research Centre, her work brings together creative practice and trauma-informed research to better understand and support experiences of mental health, trauma and suicidality.
Scientia Professor Dennis del Favero is recognised for his “substantial contribution to digital innovation in the creative arts, including media and communication”. An ARC Laureate Fellow and Director of the iCinema Research Centre, he leads pioneering work in AI-based creative visualisation across disciplines, including innovations like iFire.
To read more about their current projects see the first comment below.
