Research in Sylvia Pont's lab focuses on the physics and perception of natural materials and light in pictures and in real scenes. Additional research topics include optical, image, and perceptual interactions with space and shape. The main goal of the research is to develop descriptions and measurement methods for the perceptual qualities of materials and light, apply these methods in creative industry (e.g. material and lighting design, rapid prototyping, virtual and augmented reality) and disseminate the knowledge in courses in perception, product, material and lighting design. In order to study this, the research group uses a combination of physics, computer vision and graphics, experimental psychology and design studies.