For University College Cork, we developed a digital twin of their current high-tech science studio, enabling its use in virtual reality (VR) as a platform for teaching students about Capillary Electrophoresis in both single-player and multiplayer formats, accommodating groups of up to 10 students.

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While incorporating multiplayer functionality significantly increases the complexity of a project, testing revealed that 85% of students favoured collaborative work in VR over solitary experiences. This application allows them to make their own choices. Typically, sessions are organized and facilitated by a lab technician, guiding students through various modules over a duration of 90 minutes.

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The application includes training tutorials covering fundamental VR controls, navigation, and equipment usage. Upon completion of these tutorials, students progress to preparing the capillary, setting up the CE instrument, preparing their solutions, and executing a full test.

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The meticulously designed and realistic equipment and interactions closely replicate their real-world counterparts, ensuring that students are better prepared to conduct experiments when they transition to the physical laboratory.