Using XR (Extended Reality) for Behavioral, Clinical, and Learning Sciences Requires Updates in Infrastructure and Funding

Dejan Draschkow; Nicola C Anderson; Erwan David; Nathan Gauge; Alan Kingstone; Levi Kumle; Xavier Laurent; Anna C Nobre; Sally Shiels; Melissa L-H Võ

doi:10.1177/23727322231196305

Using XR (Extended Reality) for Behavioral, Clinical, and Learning Sciences Requires Updates in Infrastructure and Funding

Policy Insights Behav Brain Sci. 2023 Oct;10(2):317-323. doi: 10.1177/23727322231196305. Epub 2023 Oct 26.

Authors

Dejan Draschkow^{1

2}, Nicola C Anderson³, Erwan David⁴, Nathan Gauge⁵, Alan Kingstone³, Levi Kumle^{1

2}, Xavier Laurent⁶, Anna C Nobre^{1

2

7}, Sally Shiels⁵, Melissa L-H Võ⁴

Affiliations

¹ Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
² Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
³ Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
⁴ Department of Psychology, Scene Grammar Lab, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
⁵ OxSTaR Oxford Simulation Teaching and Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
⁶ Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
⁷ Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, USA.

Abstract

Extended reality (XR, including augmented and virtual reality) creates a powerful intersection between information technology and cognitive, clinical, and education sciences. XR technology has long captured the public imagination, and its development is the focus of major technology companies. This article demonstrates the potential of XR to (1) deliver behavioral insights, (2) transform clinical treatments, and (3) improve learning and education. However, without appropriate policy, funding, and infrastructural investment, many research institutions will struggle to keep pace with the advances and opportunities of XR. To realize the full potential of XR for basic and translational research, funding should incentivize (1) appropriate training, (2) open software solutions, and (3) collaborations between complementary academic and industry partners. Bolstering the XR research infrastructure with the right investments and incentives is vital for delivering on the potential for transformative discoveries, innovations, and applications.

Keywords: behavioral insights; clinical sciences; learning sciences; policy; virtual reality.

Grants and funding

WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom