Artifacts: From Physical to Virtual: Redefining Scientific Events with Immersive Technologies

Abstract. This study explores the use of immersive technologies in higher education through the case of the 1st Edition of the National Scientific Initiation Meeting (ENIC) at the University of Vassouras, hosted in the metaverse. The goal was to assess the event’s innovation, accessibility, and effectiveness as a virtual academic gathering. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 30 participants via a structured survey and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results showed that 90% of participants rated the initiative as “Very Good,” highlighting its transformative impact on academic inclusion and engagement. While technical support and tutorials received positive evaluations, some participants noted challenges such as unstable connections and suggested improvements to tutorials and platform functionalities. The study concludes that the metaverse offers significant opportunities to enhance academic events by eliminating geographical barriers and promoting collaboration. Recommendations for future editions include optimizing the platform, enhancing tutorials, and expanding interactive features to maximize the potential of immersive technologies in education. Keywords: Immersive technologies, metaverse, virtual events, higher education, collaborative learning.