In an increasingly digital world, significant inequalities in access to training and education still persist. The 3DI Virtual Reality Institute, a collaboration between UCL and Marmara, addresses these disparities by creating a virtual institute where scientists and students can meet using AI-voice avatars and VR. This initiative, originating from a virtual reality chemistry center developed during the pandemic, focuses on 3D printing. Accessible via PC or VR headsets, the institute enhances productivity reduces costs, and offers 24/7 access for all, including multilingual AI-voice avatars, providing equal opportunities for training for students in remote or underprivileged areas. The institute features digital spaces for conferences, lectures, and poster exhibitions, with award- winning training facilities for hands-on learning in areas such as HPLC and 3D printing. Despite initial challenges, collaboration and support from the British Council enabled broad participation. The institute has trained over 700 individuals, saving time and costs, reducing carbon emissions, offering a sustainable model for global collaboration and education.Additionally, the institute extends its impact to schools through outreach programs utilising VR headsets. This innovative approach allows school children to engage with interactive, immersive learning experiences, and speak to AI avatars in virtual classrooms. By bringing cutting-edge technology to schools, the initiative fosters a deeper understanding of science and technology, inspiring the next generation of innovators. These outreaches efforts have shown remarkable potential in enhancing educational engagement, particularly in under-resourced schools by providing students with access to state-of-the-art learning tools and personalized support. This initiative not only democratises education but also sparks curiosity and passion for science among young learners, preparing them for the future academic and career success.Overall, the 3DI Virtual Reality Institute stands out for its innovative use of technology to bridge educational gaps, its extensive reach and impact, and its commitment to creating equal opportunities for learning across the globe.

Prof Dr Oguzhan Gunduz
VR Project Lead/Director of NBUAM
Center for Nanotechnology&Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM),  Marmara University



Lecturer Sema Gunduz
Project Manager
Marmara University



Assoc. Prof Dr Nazmi Ekren
Distance Learning Lead
Marmara University



Dr Stephen Hilton
VR Development Lead
UCL School of Pharmacy,  University College London



Prof Dr Deepak Kalaskar
UK Lead
Division of Surgery,  University College London



Dr Blanka Hilton
Outreach and Widening Participation lead
Global and Lifelong Learning,  University of Kent

We wish to acknowledge funding from the British Council in
supporting the development of the Centre and both
University College London and Marmara University for support.
We also wish to thank the thousands of people who have used
the software and have joined us on this journey. We also wish to
thank our incredible students who have supported us in this as
well.