Within the framework of the project VRChem (“Innovative Integration of Virtual Reality in Chemical Engineering Education”) it is planned to be created by an inter-university community with extensive experience with virtual reality technology, modern educational materials, training and subject content for teaching chemical engineering. This is a scientific discipline whose achievements meet the needs of industry, energy-saving technologies, as well as environmental protection.
The development and teaching of chemical engineering is inevitably linked to the performance of experiments, which are often limited by the speed of reaction, the cost and size of equipment, the safety of participants and other practical issues. VR technologies, which are highly immersive, interactive and highly sensory, come to the rescue. They are a good medium for presenting three-dimensional objects and concepts that can be used effectively in teaching students to become competent engineers.
The leader of the project is the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at the Cracow University of Technology in Poland. The initiative will be carried out by an international consortium of universities that includes:
- Cracow University of Technology (Poland);
- Lodz University of Technology (Poland);
- University of Aveiro (Portugal);
- Politecnico di Milano (Italy);
- University of Cadiz (Spain).