Dr. Anja Zimmer Email & Phone Number

As a Digital Health Researcher at HelloBetter, my work is devoted to the evaluation of digital therapeutics designed to empower people to improve their mental health. The online courses are investigated under the highest scientific standards to assure their efficacy and value in the health care system.In my previous work as a PhD candidate at the University of Basel in Switzerland I explored the use of virtual and augmented reality to treat specific phobias. In my main project, financed by the highly competitive Doc.CH grant of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), I lead an interdisciplinary team to direct the development, clinical investigation and commercialization of the augmented reality app "Phobys" to reduce fear of spiders. Its market release in September 2021 lead to over 60’000 downloads worldwide and attracted a great deal of international media attention, highlighting the relevance of such apps. Having suffered from fear of spiders for years myself, I was additionally able to offer a personal perspective to the development of Phobys. Having a user-centered approach to really understand the issues, to customize the product and make it as effective as possible is one of the main take aways for me personally and professionally.My PhD in Psychology has not only taught me the importance of the combination of innovation and science but also led me to my current place of residence. During a research stay at the Freie Universität in Berlin, I fell in love with the city and decided to leave my home Switzerland for a new and exciting chapter in this beautiful and buzzing city. Now working in a Start Up devoted to develop and investigate digital therapeutics to improve the mental health of people and to bridge the existing gaps in the health care system brings together all my passions, values and interests.