Two esteemed faculty members, Dr. Robert Teather and Dr. Victoria McArthur, have garnered significant recognition and support for their pioneering research endeavors. Their remarkable work in the realm of extended reality (XR) has earned them funding from the prestigious Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

The JELF is renowned for identifying visionary leaders and researchers with exceptional potential for excellence in their fields. It supports high-quality research initiatives that meet international standards and plays a pivotal role in advancing research across Canada, with funds ranging from $40,000 to $160,000.

One of the primary objectives of MARVEL is to develop improved low-fidelity XR platforms, particularly those accessible via everyday devices like smartphones. By doing so, Dr. Teather and Dr. McArthur aim to break down the barriers of cost and expertise that have traditionally limited access to XR technologies. These immersive technologies hold the potential for transformative disruptions within the tech industry, and MARVEL seeks to democratize access to these capabilities.

The research team at MARVEL will go beyond platform development. They will create XR software designed to facilitate collaborative storytelling within XR environments and investigate methods to enhance social inclusion through improved avatar design tools. To achieve these objectives, the team will undertake comparative experimental research, evaluating both low- and high-fidelity XR devices and studying techniques to mitigate cybersickness.

MARVEL is equipped with a range of cutting-edge resources, including high-fidelity XR head-mounted displays (HMDs) and tracking systems. These tools enable the research team to develop and test novel techniques against state-of-the-art high-fidelity options. Furthermore, the HMDs and tracking systems will play a crucial role in capturing and presenting stories produced in co-creation workshops, featuring diverse research participants.

The overarching goal of MARVEL is to make collaborative XR experiences accessible and inclusive to a broader spectrum of individuals. As a result, Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) trained within MARVEL will emerge with invaluable skills in XR system design, implementation, and evaluation. These skills are poised to support the growing industrial demand in this rapidly evolving field.

The Carleton School of Information Technology is immensely proud of the recognition and support garnered by Dr. Teather and Dr. McArthur for their innovative XR research projects. Their work stands as a testament to the university's commitment to advancing cutting-edge technology research and making it accessible to all.