Publications

Publications are one of the key outcomes of the VRChem project. They present the project’s research findings, methodologies, and experience gained through the development and evaluation of virtual reality solutions for chemical engineering education and industrial training. The publications address topics such as immersive technologies, VR-based education, usability evaluation, and the integration of virtual reality into higher education and professional training. This section provides access to scientific publications resulting from the activities carried out within the VRChem project.

As part of the VRChem project, the consortium developed “A Practical Guide to VR”, a practical and methodological booklet supporting the effective integration of virtual reality into higher education. Developed within Work Package 2, the guide provides teachers, trainers, and educational decision-makers with theoretical foundations, practical guidance, case studies, and recommendations for designing VR-enhanced learning experiences. It addresses key aspects such as aligning learning outcomes, activities, and assessment, preparing VR-based classes, and supporting students and instructors in the use of immersive technologies. The guide also presents practical experiences from VRChem partners, including laboratory setups, stakeholder roles, and tools for monitoring VR-based learning. The publication is available in English, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, supporting the international dissemination and wider use of the project’s results. The guide is published as a VRChem project deliverable and is openly available through Zenodo with a dedicated DOI.

The VRChem project was presented at the 25th Polish Conference of Chemical and Process Engineering (OKIChiP25), held in Kraków on 20–23 September 2026. The conference contribution, “Integration of Virtual Reality into Chemical Engineering Education,” presents the project’s approach to applying immersive technologies to improve practical and experience-based learning in chemical engineering. The publication describes the development of an inter-university VR platform providing access to interactive applications, 3D models of chemical installations, and virtual industrial environments designed for education and training. It also highlights VR’s potential to overcome limitations in access to real industrial facilities, safety requirements, and the cost of practical training. The results show how VR can help students explore industrial equipment, understand process installations, perform practical tasks, and develop engineering competencies in a safe, controlled environment. The work also reflects the international cooperation of VRChem partners from Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Italy in developing innovative approaches to chemical engineering education.

During the conference, Prof. Manuel J. Díaz Villanueva delivered an oral presentation highlighting the University of Cádiz’s contributions to the VRChem project and shared the latest progress in developing innovative VR-based learning solutions for Chemical Engineering. We also presented a poster showcasing our experience in developing and testing Scenario #1 – VRChem Industrial Training.