IMMERSIVE LEARNING INSTITUTE
Committees & partnerships
We bring people together to share ideas and enhance immersive ways of learning. Together with academic, community and industry partners, we support creative, hands-on research and training that connects communities in Canada and around the world.

Advisory committee
Our advisory committee meets regularly to discuss research methodologies and current and upcoming projects.

Andrea Urbina
Chief Executive Officer, ELIXR Simulations
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member
Karen Keiller
Dean, Library
Librarian, John L. Haar Library
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

Dr. Pierre Boulanger
Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

Dr. Richard M. Levy
Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member
External members
Our external members support our research and ongoing projects:
- Dr. Beaumie Kim, Professor, University of Calgary
- Dr. Richard Zhao, Associate Professor, University of Calgary
- Dr. Claude MH Demers, Professor, Université Laval
Community partners
Our community partners support our research, design and knowledge mobilization efforts.
The Advanced Human-Computer Interface (AHCI) Laboratory at the University of Alberta explores how technology can better understand and support human needs. By focusing on human-centred design and automation, especially in medicine, the lab develops systems that help people interact more naturally and effectively with complex technology. Their research brings together experts from multiple fields to create smarter, more responsive tools.
The Aquatic Biosphere Society of Canada is dedicated to protecting aquatic ecosystems through education, research and innovation. Their vision includes a public conservation aquarium, education spaces, a research institute and an innovation centre—designed to inspire people to care for and protect water environments. These efforts aim to create a lasting environmental legacy for Alberta and beyond.
Black Book Industries provides cutting-edge management services for augmented and virtual reality projects. They collaborate with clients to develop comprehensive project scopes, workplans, timelines, budgets and hiring protocols to ensure the success of their partner's AR/VR projects.
ELIXR Simulations is a non-profit organization that helps bring virtual and augmented reality into classrooms to make learning more engaging and effective. Their goal is to speed up the use of these immersive technologies in education and build a community where innovation, learning and connection can thrive.
Explore Edmonton is the city’s official destination and event organization, showcasing Edmonton as a vibrant place to visit, live and do business. They attract major events, support local businesses and manage top venues like the Edmonton Convention Centre and EXPO Centre. Through these efforts, Explore Edmonton enhances the city’s reputation and economy while bringing people together through shared experiences.
The Physical Ambiance Research Group, or Groupe de Recherche en Ambiances Physiques (GRAP), based at Université Laval, explores how architecture and urban spaces interact with light, heat and other physical elements. By using advanced tools and simulations, they help improve the design of buildings and cities to create more comfortable and sustainable environments. Their work supports both research and teaching in architecture and environmental design.
The Vision and Digital Systems Laboratory or Laboratoire de Vision et Systèmes Numériques (LVSN), at Université Laval, focuses on computer vision and its applications in industry and biomedicine. As part of the REPARTI network, the lab offers a collaborative, well-equipped research environment that supports national and international partnerships and contributes actively to research.
The Play, (Re)Design and Learn Group studies how designing and redesigning games can help people learn in creative and meaningful ways. They focus on collaborative board game projects, encouraging learners to explore complex ideas through play and teamwork. The group helps deepen understanding and inspires new ways to think and learn by combining research and real-world learning.
At the TELUS World of Science Edmonton, people of all ages can explore, learn and get excited about science. Run by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation, this science centre offers hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences and programs that spark curiosity and support lifelong learning.