NEWS Burcin Genis-Ergün at the Department of Psychology, recently presented her research at an international conference in Strasbourg on how immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality (XR), affect human rights and democratic societies. The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, legal experts, journalists, and industry representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid development of immersive digital environments.
Burcin Genis-Ergün presented her research at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, on 18–19 May 2026.
ImageBurcin Genis-ErgünBurcin Genis-Ergün presented her research in Strasbourg, France, on 18–19 May at the event Human Rights in Immersive Realities (XR): Freedom of Expression, Justice and Well-Being. The first day of the event consisted of a conference, and the second day of meetings, policy discussions, as well as practical demonstrations and experiences of XR technology. The event was organised by the Council of Europe’s Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division together with the European Metaverse Research Network (EMRN), bringing researchers, policymakers, legal experts, journalists and industry representatives together to discuss the human rights implications of immersive technologies and their impact on democratic societies.
Burcin was informed about the event through the European Metaverse Research Network (EMRN) and was invited due to her involvement in research on immersive technologies and their societal implications. Her work aligns closely with the objectives of the network, particularly in examining how XR environments affect human rights, democratic participation and user well-being. Given this relevance, she proposed sharing the early findings from her research on embodied interaction in immersive environment technologies and their societal impact. The organisers considered this perspective a valuable contribution to the multidisciplinary discussions and policy considerations surrounding emerging immersive technologies.
Burcin's presentation examined how immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality are changing the way people experience digital environments and what this means for human rights, particularly for children and other vulnerable users. She explored how the unique characteristics of XR environments are changing the way people experience digital interactions and considered some of the challenges this creates for existing approaches to online safety and regulation. More broadly, her presentation considered how policymakers, regulators, and platform designers can develop safeguards that better reflect the unique opportunities and risks of immersive technologies, while ensuring that innovation remains aligned with human rights and the best interests of vulnerable users.
The most positive aspect of the visit was the conference's unique and highly interdisciplinary format
The conference had a unique and highly interdisciplinary format, bringing together representatives from various Council of Europe sectors, the European Court of Human Rights / Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (the Strasbourg Court), as well as experts from academia, industry, journalism, and policymaking.
The event was further enriched by the support of the Représentation Permanente de Monaco auprès du Conseil de l’Europe. This created a valuable environment for exchanging perspectives and discussing the opportunities and challenges of immersive technologies from both research and governance perspectives. The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, gain insight into current policy developments, and explore possibilities for future collaboration. Presenting at the Council of Europe and contributing to discussions that may help inform future approaches to human rights in immersive environments was particularly rewarding and exciting. She returned highly inspired and encouraged by the level of engagement across sectors and by the shared commitment to ensuring that the development of immersive technologies remains aligned with human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.
