The innovative work of the 3DI Virtual Reality Institute and the International Sustainable Chemistry Consortium (ISCC), co-founded by Queen Mary’s Dr Stellios Arseniyadis, has been recognised with the 2024 Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Horizon Prize for Education.
This accolade highlights their groundbreaking use of virtual reality (VR) to enhance global access to scientific education and training.
Dr Arseniyadis, Reader in Organic Chemistry at Queen Mary, collaborated with Dr Stephen Hilton of UCL’s School of Pharmacy to develop these transformative initiatives. The 3DI Institute and ISCC leverage VR and artificial intelligence to create immersive, multilingual educational environments that transcend geographical and financial barriers.
Dr Arseniyadis remarked, "Τhis prize validates our belief that virtual reality can democratise education, enabling students in even the most remote areas to access world-class scientific training. It’s inspiring to see how our work is opening doors to a more inclusive and sustainable future for chemistry education."
Both initiatives unite institutions across the globe, including Queen Mary University of London, UCL, Marmara University (Turkey), and ICT Mumbai (India), offering interactive scientific training to anyone with internet access and a low-cost VR headset.
Dr Hilton noted, “The 3DI Institute and ISCC showcase how virtual reality can break down barriers to education, offering equal opportunities for students worldwide to engage in advanced scientific training.”
The ISCC, established with British government funding, focuses on fostering sustainable chemistry and international collaboration, particularly between India and the UK. Similarly, the British Council-supported 3DI Institute advances inclusivity by bridging VR and AI technologies with global education networks.
By recognising the 3DI Insitute and ISCC with the Horizon Prize, the Royal Society of Chemistry underscores the potential of these initiatives to level up science education, aligning with environmental goals by reducing travel needs and carbon footprints. With over 700 students and educators already participating, these virtual institutes set a new standard for accessible, high-quality science education.
For media information, contact: