There are times in history where profound and significant leaps have reshaped societies. Today, we stand on the precipice of a technological revolution in which Virtual Reality (VR) is one of those leaps. VR is revolutionizing multiple domains of the lived experience and something even more profound, a tool that can recreate reality and at its core has the potential to support meaningful behavior change, challenge the norms that have often excluded many, and provide solutions to our critical challenges. In this way, VR can reshape one’s understanding of the world.

The Inclusive VR Lab (iVR) at Johns Hopkins University aims to help improve societal outcomes by using and researching inclusive VR technology in business, STEM education, medical/clinical applications, addressing veteran needs, and helping people become skilled and competitive in the workforce. We believe that for VR to truly advance our world, it must resonate with every individual, irrespective of their background, identity, or circumstance. By intertwining the power of VR with the principles of the Johns Hopkins Inclusive Innovation Institute (i3), the iVR lab will build, test, study and apply solutions for systemic change. 

Linda Durnell, PhD