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.

Meet the director
As the Canada Research Chair in Immersive Learning (Tier II) and assistant professor of design in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Dr. Farzan Baradaran Rahimi is researching how virtual reality, augmented reality and other immersive technologies can benefit teaching and learning in higher education.
Dr. Farzan Baradaran Rahimi Learn more about Dr. Baradaran Rahimi

Advisory committee

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

Andrea Urbina

Andrea Urbina

Chief Executive Officer, ELIXR Simulations
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

ELIXR Team Profile

Karen Keiller

Dean, Library
Librarian, John L. Haar Library
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

MacEwan Library

Pierre Boulanger

Dr. Pierre Boulanger

Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

University of Alberta Profile

Richard M. Levy

Dr. Richard M. Levy

Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary
Immersive Learning Institute Advisory Committee Member

LinkedIn Profile

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.

AHCI Laboratory

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.

Aquatic Biosphere Society of Canada

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.

Black Book Industries

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.

ELIXR Simulations

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.

Explore Edmonton

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.

GRAP

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.

LVSN

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.

Play, (Re)Design and Learn Group

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.

TWoSE

The way we interact with places has shifted with new technology, and the actual and virtual are more interconnected than ever.
Dr. Baradaran Rahimi, Director, Immersive Learning Institute