Research Projects
Teaching Children Empathy and Compassion through VR Games
Funding: $234,000
Funder: Templeton World Charity Foundation
Duration: 2020-2025
Status: Active
Project Overview
This landmark project, funded with $234,000 from the Templeton World Charity Foundation, explores how virtual reality games can teach empathy and compassion to Nigerian children. We’re developing and testing VR experiences specifically designed to foster character development and social cohesion.
Research Questions
- Can VR games effectively teach empathy and compassion to children?
- How do cultural contexts influence VR-based character education effectiveness?
- What design elements make VR experiences most impactful for character development?
- Can VR interventions produce lasting behavioral changes?
Identity & Ethnic Discrimination in Africa
Partner: Meta (Facebook)
Location: Nigeria & Kenya
Status: Active
Project Overview
In partnership with Meta, this cross-cultural study examines how VR perspective-taking experiences can reduce ethnic discrimination and promote unity across Nigeria and Kenya.
Research Questions
- How does VR perspective-taking affect attitudes toward ethnic out-groups?
- Can VR experiences reduce implicit bias and discrimination?
- What are cross-cultural differences in how VR affects ethnic identity?
- How can VR promote action toward social cohesion?
Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Business Outcomes
Partner: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Target: Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Status: Active
Project Overview
In collaboration with J-PAL, we’re investigating how VR-based mental health interventions impact wellbeing and business performance in Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Research Questions
- Can VR interventions improve mental health and wellbeing in entrepreneurs?
- How does improved mental health affect business decision-making and performance?
- What are the economic returns of mental health interventions?
- How can VR make mental health support more accessible and affordable?
Collaborate With Us
We welcome collaboration opportunities with researchers, institutions, funders, and organizations interested in VR for social impact.
Contact us to explore collaboration possibilities.