Prof. Darryl Charles

Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Games
University of Ulster

2,096
Citations
72
Publications
18
h-index
Get in Touch
Prof. Darryl Charles - Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Games

About

Expert in AI, Machine Learning, Games and VR Development, and Assistive Health Technology Innovation
Terminal Portfolio

Academic Background

Education

  • PhD in Unsupervised Machine Learning - University of Paisley (1999)
    Focus: Generative unsupervised neural networks, rectilinear functions, and overcomplete neural encoding
  • MSc Microelectronics and Microcomputer Applications - University of Ulster
  • BEng (Hons.) Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Queen's University Belfast (1988)
  • Teaching Qualification - Stranmillis College, Belfast

Professional Achievements

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Member of Ulster's AI and Learning Workgroup
  • 100+ peer-reviewed publications
  • 16 completed PhD supervisions
  • Course Director for BSc Game Design and Development

Research Focus

My research applies artificial intelligence expertise to diverse domains including game design, virtual reality, intelligent interactive storytelling, user modelling, cloud computing, and assisted intelligent health technologies.

AI & Machine Learning

Generative neural networks, unsupervised learning, and pattern recognition systems.

Games Technology

AI-driven game design, intelligent interactive storytelling, and immersive user experiences.

Health Technology

Brain-computer interfaces, VR stroke rehabilitation, and assisted intelligent health systems.

Sustainable Innovation

Green transition ecosystems, ecotourism technologies, and circular economy solutions.

Current Research

Leading cutting-edge research projects funded by AHRC, Innovate UK, EU Horizon 2020, and industry partners

Green Transition Ecosystem

AHRC Funded Project (2023-2025)

Future Island-Island project focusing on ecotourism, circular economy, and sustainability solutions for Northern Ireland.

  • Sustainable tourism technologies
  • Circular economy innovation
  • Environmental impact assessment

AI 3D Animation Generation

Innovate UK (2024-2025)

Developing AI-powered 3D animation systems using VR headsets and inertial devices for next-generation content creation.

  • VR-based animation tools
  • Motion capture integration
  • Machine learning algorithms

CoStar Network Lab

AHRC (2023-2029)

Long-term research network focusing on collaborative technologies and creative industries innovation.

  • Creative technology networks
  • Industry collaboration
  • Innovation ecosystems

5G Film Anywhere

Belfast City Council & Dept for Science (2024-2025)

Exploring 5G technologies for distributed film production and content creation capabilities.

  • 5G network applications
  • Distributed production
  • Real-time collaboration

VR Stroke Rehabilitation

EU Horizon 2020 (2016-2020)

Magic PCP project developing virtual reality solutions for stroke patient rehabilitation and recovery.

  • VR therapy applications
  • Patient assessment tools
  • Healthcare innovation

Future Screens NI

AHRC (2018-ongoing)

Supporting Northern Ireland's creative screen industries through technological innovation and research.

  • Screen technology advancement
  • Creative industry support
  • Innovation networks

Publications & Impact

Research published in leading international journals and conferences in AI, machine learning, and games technology

Research Metrics

2,096
Total Citations
72
Publications
18
h-index

Research impact spanning over two decades with contributions to artificial intelligence, neural networks, brain-computer interfaces, and health technology applications.

Recent Publications (2023)

AI Ethics in Education

"Artificial Intelligence in Education as a Rawlsian Massively Multiplayer Game: A Thought Experiment on AI Ethics"

IEEE 13th International Conference on Metrology for eXtended Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Neural Engineering (MetroXRAINE), 2023

Brain-Computer Interfaces

"Decoding Motion Trajectories in an Upper Limb BCI: Linear Regression vs Deep Learning"

IEEE, 2023

Teaching

Course Director for BSc Game Design and Development, fostering creativity and technical excellence in the next generation of game developers

Course Leadership

BSc Game Design and Development

Course Director for Ulster University's newly established undergraduate programme, leading teaching across six modules and preparing students for careers in the gaming industry.

Teaching Philosophy

  • Industry-relevant skills development
  • Practical, hands-on learning approach
  • Creative problem-solving and innovation
  • Professional portfolio development
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Real-world application of theoretical knowledge

Key Modules

  • CRE132: Fundamentals of Game Programming
  • CRE134: Game Graphics
  • CRE341: Game Character Control and Behaviour
  • CRE521: Final Year Project (Design)
  • CRE524: Final Year Project (Development)
  • CRE135: 2D Games Creation

Student Opportunities

PhD Supervision

Actively supervising research students in AI, games technology, health applications, and sustainable innovation. 16 completed PhD supervisions with expertise in machine learning, neural networks, and interactive systems.

Research Collaboration

Opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in funded research projects through AHRC, Innovate UK, and EU Horizon programmes. Industry partnerships provide real-world experience.

Contact

Get in touch for research collaboration, academic inquiries, or student supervision opportunities

Contact Information

Address
Northlands Road, Magee Campus
Londonderry BT48 7JL
United Kingdom

Office Hours & Availability

Game Studio Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
During teaching semesters at Ulster's Magee campus

Note: Academic staff may be on campus less frequently outside of the semester.

Student Consultations

Available for student meetings by appointment. Please email to schedule a consultation for academic advice, research discussions, or project supervision. Students may also contact via Blackboard LMS.

Research Collaboration

Open to discussing collaborative research opportunities in AI, Games Technology, Health Technology, and Sustainable Innovation. Industry partnerships welcome.

Response Time

Email responses typically within 1-2 business days. For urgent matters, please indicate priority in your subject line.

Current Research Focus

Actively seeking collaborators for projects involving AI in gaming, health technology solutions (via eXRt Healthcare), and green transition ecosystems.