Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Researchers, creatives, and industry professionals will gather at the University of Nottingham’s Virtual and Immersive Production (VIP) Studio, on 24 March 2026, as the XR Network+ Roadshow arrives for an inspirational day dedicated to exploring the future of Virtual Production (VP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Extended Reality (XR).
XR Network+ is a UK-wide initiative supporting researchers working in virtual production technologies. The project brings together academia and industry to develop a 10-year UK research agenda for virtual production, helping to accelerate innovation, support industry growth, and foster collaboration on a national scale.
The roadshow event will provide an engaging environment for attendees to experience emerging technologies, exchange ideas, and contribute to conversations shaping the next decade of innovation in immersive and virtual production technologies.
The XR Network+ Roadshow is a vital national initiative connecting the UK’s research, creative and industry communities around the future of virtual production. We’re proud to host it at the VIP Studio, where inclusivity and participation are central to how we explore these emerging technologies.”
The full programme includes a series of talks, demonstrations, and networking opportunities, including a hands-on workshop exploring AI Lens tools; the featured panel of experts; roundtable discussions exploring key themes sharing the future of the field; and a tour of the VIP Studio, including demonstrations of virtual production technologies.
The XR Network+ roadshows are about facilitating new connections, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities, and consulting with attendees to gather information on the latest advances in virtual production-related content creation and consumption. Tuesday's roadshow is a great opportunity to find out about VP-related research, development and innovation taking place at the University of Nottingham alongside contributing to XR Network+ research that is driving the future of VP R&D in the UK."
The XR Network+ project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is led by the University of York, in collaboration with University of the Arts London, Ulster University, Cardiff University, and the University of Edinburgh. Together, these institutions are working to strengthen the UK’s leadership in virtual production research and innovation.
The roadshow aims to build stronger connections between research institutions and industry partners while highlighting the transformative role of technologies such as AI and XR in film, television, gaming, and immersive media production.
More information about the event and booking details can be found here.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Helen Kennedy, Director of the VIP Studio, via helen.kennedy@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home. More news…