BlueSky Thinking Summary

Dashun Wang and colleagues examine whether the metaverse may prove to be a game changer in scientific research.

The metaverse offers an immersive digital environment where the virtual and physical worlds meet, holding immense potential for improving access, training, and reproducibility in research.

Wang highlighted how VR and AR technologies further democratize scientific collaboration by removing geographical barriers and standardizing lab training.

Despite the evident gains, Wang offers fresh warnings regarding corporate control over metaverse platforms that will hinder academic access and research integrity.

He urges the establishment of more stringent policies for ensuring the equitability of access and standards for validation that would foster enhanced scientific rigor in experimentation conducted in virtual environments.

As is the case with academia and industry—all complex—Wang calls for proactive intervention by governments in shaping a metaverse future that is fair and ethical for applications.

When the metaverse disrupts the bounds of science, setting the record straight on its promises and pitfalls assumes paramount importance for formulating a sustainable future of research.