Dr James Birt
Associate Dean - External Engagement
Level 2, Building 1a, Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University
Accepting PhD StudentsContact details
Professional biography
James is the Associate Dean of External Engagement for the Faculty of Society Design, and an Associate Professor of Creative Media studies at Bond, and his distinctive contribution to academia is evidenced in over 80 publications and multiple national media engagements, including The Conversation, ABC News, and The Project. His research spans computer science, applied design, the development of virtual, augmented, and extended reality (VR/AR/XR) technology, as well as the use of games-based experiences for assisting learning and knowledge discovery.
James is recognized as an international leader in educational technology, extended reality (XR), and games, which is reflected in his engagement with a variety of external organisations and academic bodies. James holds an editorial role with Springer Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D); a position on the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) working group for AR/VR technology; an assessor’s role for the International Serious Games Showcase and Challenge (SGSC); and an expert role on the 2022 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report.
He is committed to improving student learning and engagement and enhancing authentic experiential teaching through innovations in mixed reality technology and development. James’ continuous leadership and passion for the practical juxtaposition of art and science in multi-media education, has earned him two Universities Australia citations, in 2014 and 2020. His service to higher education and the community has formed around his 20-year experience and leadership in interdisciplinary teaching, mentorship, presentations, and research led approaches to the enhancement of XR and games education
Research interests
Dr James Birt is an Associate Professor of Creative Media and Associate Dean for External Engagement at Bond University. His research focuses on educational technology, immersive media, and game-based systems, with particular emphasis on extended reality, mobile learning, and serious games.
Over the past decade, his work has examined how immersive technologies are designed, evaluated, and adopted across education, health, creative industries, and professional practice. His research is grounded in applied and design-oriented methodologies, with a focus on learning, engagement, accessibility, and institutional adoption rather than experimental or novelty-driven use.
Dr Birt holds a PhD in AI and software engineering. His research spans immersive learning environments, mobile and mixed reality, serious games, and interactive media, and is published across educational technology, virtual reality, and creative industries journals and conferences.
In addition to academic research, Dr Birt contributes to international standards and policy discussions relating to immersive technologies, including involvement in the development of ISO and IEC guidance on AR and VR safety. This work reflects a broader research interest in governance, responsibility, and long-term impact as immersive systems become embedded within everyday institutional and public contexts.
Dr Birt is actively engaged in industry collaboration and applied research, working with partners across education, health, government, and the creative sector to translate research into practice. His work supports capability development, evidence-based adoption of emerging technologies, and sustainable approaches to innovation.
Teaching awards
- 2020 Australian Awards for University Teaching Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
- 2017 Bond University Faculty of Society and Design Researcher of the Year
- 2014 Australian Awards for University Teaching Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
- 2013 Bond University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - Excellence in Learning and Teaching Award
Qualifications
- Software Engineering, PhD, Award Date: 30 Oct 2006
- Information Technology, Honours (1st class), Award Date: 11 Apr 2003
- Information Technology, Bachelors, Award Date: 14 Apr 2000
Fields of Research
- Graphics, augmented reality and games
- Specialist studies in education
Statement for HDR students
Dr Birt welcomes enquiries from prospective Higher Degree Research students interested in educational technology, immersive media, and game-based learning. He supervises research focused on extended reality, mobile learning, serious games, and immersive learning environments, particularly where these intersect with real-world educational, professional, or cultural contexts.
HDR candidates supervised by Dr Birt benefit from a research environment that emphasises applied inquiry, methodological rigour, and industry relevance. His supervision approach supports students in developing research that is both theoretically grounded and practically meaningful, with opportunities to engage in industry collaboration, applied projects, and cross-disciplinary research.
Dr Birt has an established record of working with external partners and contributes to international research and standards activities in immersive technologies. HDR students may have opportunities to connect with these networks as part of their candidature, supporting career pathways in academia, industry, policy, or applied research roles.
Prospective students are encouraged to propose projects aligned with immersive learning, educational technology, serious games, or interactive media, particularly those addressing questions of adoption, design, evaluation, governance, or impact.