Diego Gómez-Zará, an assistant professor in the University of Notre Dame's Department of Computer Science and Engineering, believes that the metaverse has the potential to revolutionise the field of science. In his article titled "The Promise and Pitfalls of the Metaverse for Science," published in Nature Human Behavior, Gómez-Zará outlines the benefits and challenges associated with using virtual reality in scientific research.
The metaverse, as defined by Gómez-Zará and his co-authors, is a virtual space where users can interact in a three-dimensional environment and have real-world impacts. The researchers argue that the metaverse can enhance science in four significant ways.
Firstly, the metaverse can break down barriers and make science more accessible. Gómez-Zará points out that scientists are already utilizing virtual environments for research purposes. For instance, at the University College London School of Pharmacy, scientists have created a digital replica of their lab that can be visited in virtual reality. This allows researchers from different locations to collaborate and make decisions together, facilitating the progress of research projects.
Secondly, virtual reality can improve teaching and learning. Gómez-Zará explains that virtual environments provide a safe space for trainees to practice without the risk of harmful consequences. For aspiring surgeons, this means the opportunity to perform procedures and learn from mistakes without endangering real patients. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a virtual laboratory training program that enables young scientists to learn lab procedures and emergency protocols from various locations.
Gómez-Zará explains, "For someone training to become a surgeon, it is very hard to perform a procedure for the first time without any mistakes. And if you are working with a real patient, a mistake can be very harmful. Experiential learning in a virtual environment can help you try something and make mistakes along the way without harmful consequences, and the freedom from harmful consequences can improve research in other fields as well."
The social aspect of science is also positively impacted by the metaverse. Gómez-Zará's team at Notre Dame's Virtual Reality Lab has found that virtual environments can enhance team collaboration and innovation. While videoconferencing has become prevalent during the pandemic, virtual reality offers a more immersive and effective platform for intense social activities such as team building.
Furthermore, the metaverse opens up the possibility of creating entirely new experimental environments. By utilising data and images from different sources, scientists can generate virtual replicas of real-world locations. For instance, images of Mars captured by satellites and robots could be used to create a virtual reality version of the Martian environment. Scientists can then experience and interact with this simulated environment from a distance, expanding the scope of scientific exploration.
However, Gómez-Zará also acknowledges the challenges associated with the metaverse. Affordability and accessibility of virtual reality equipment remain barriers. Although the cost of virtual reality goggles and related devices is decreasing, significant investments are still required. Additionally, questions of ownership and privacy arise in relation to the metaverse, as a few technology companies currently control its infrastructure. Gómez-Zará suggests that research institutions and agencies should invest in building an open, public metaverse to address these concerns.
Despite the challenges, Gómez-Zará maintains an optimistic view. He urges the research community to explore the potential of the metaverse beyond entertainment and casual socialization. Drawing a parallel to the rapid adoption of technologies during the pandemic, he believes that with thorough planning and risk assessment, the metaverse can be harnessed for its vast possibilities. Gómez-Zará calls for researchers to embrace the metaverse as a tool for better science, unlocking new opportunities while safeguarding against potential pitfalls.
