International Space University delivers lecture in the metaverse

The International Space University has partnered with Web3 company Metavisionaries to deliver an onsite lecture in the metaverse.

Delivering a lecture entitled ‘How the human body functions in the unique environment of space,’ as part of the university’s 34th edition of its Space Studies Program (SSP), participants were guided through hands-on activities in Técnico Superior Técnico, Portugal, where the event was held.

Donning VR headsets, the lecture participants each had their own avatars where they could walk around the virtual lecture hall and watch presentations in 3D, with live streamers joining in online.

Space scientists Tara Ruttley, Metavisionaries director of sciences and former associate chief scientist at NASA, and James Green, ISU’s core co-chair and former chief scientist at NASA led the event.

“This is a historic moment for ISU,” said Arif Goktug Karacalioglu, SSP22 director, manager, new professional development programs and digital education.

“ISU is known for its in-person programs like the space studies program however we are now moving into virtual education at a very high pace. For the last two years we have been designing fully interactive and fully virtual programs but this is the first time we are taking it to another step.”

Metavisionaries CEO Wasim Ahmed believes that Web3 and the metaverse are reimagining education, as a result of accelerated digital transformation in the education sector during the pandemic.

He said that the partnership with ISU highlights the university as a leader in transforming preparation for the future of work.

“I really would like to thank Metavisionaries for allowing us to run this virtual event,” said Karacalioglu.

“Thank you Metavisionaries and the CEO Wasim Ahmed, thank you very, very much on behalf of ISU for giving us this great opportunity and also providing us all the virtual reality googles that we are using for this event.”

Metavisionaries and Ice Cubes are set to join the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University to launch a global business sustainability space challenge related to the FIFA World Cup.