Thomas Bjørnsten is head of Research Program at VIA University College, Research Center for Animation, Film, and Digital Processes. He holds a PhD in Aesthetics and Culture from Aarhus University and works in an interdisciplinary field of artistic and digital experimental design practices, digital communication, and XR development. His Postdoc research has explored creative uses of data visualization and sonification, partly developed as a visiting scholar at MIT and Georgia Institute of Technology. Currently he is involved in research and development projects focusing on XR simulation for cross-industry training and learning applications, Human Centric AI, and digital solutions for co-creation and citizen engagement.