Research Grant in Virtual Reality for Nature Exposure (NaturExVR)

This research grant at Universidade da Madeira focuses on creating virtual reality experiences that facilitate exposure to natural environments. The successful candidate will work on designing immersive scenarios, implementing narratives, and adapting content for diverse audiences, including young people and the elderly. The project is part of the NaturExVR initiative, funded by national funds, and will be conducted under the supervision of Professors Mara Sofia Gomes Dionísio and Hildegardo José Quintal Noronha. The role involves both technical development and academic research, with a strong emphasis on dissemination through scientific articles.

• Develop a prototype virtual reality experience focused on nature exposure scenarios and design principles.
• Conduct literature and state-of-the-art reviews related to VR design and human-computer interaction.
• Implement narratives and adapt the VR experience for young people and elderly users.
• Conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness and user experience of the developed VR scenarios.
• Disseminate research findings through scientific articles and academic publications.
• Collaborate with project partners to synchronize development efforts and integrate real-world user feedback.
• Utilize provided resources, including development computers, VR hardware, and photogrammetry equipment.